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Here’s Why Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin Can Reclaim Top Spot as NHL’s Best Goaltender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 12:23 PM ET

Star goaltender Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers had a 2024-25 season to forget. The 29-year-old netminder posted career-worst statistics with a .905 save percentage, a 2.86 goals against average and 27-29-5 record.

Throw those numbers out the window. Last season was an aberration from the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. Here’s why Rangers fans can expect very different numbers from the former Vezina Trophy winner in 2025-26.

The Rangers defended their own end like keystone cops throughout Peter Laviolette’s final season behind The Garden bench. Incoming head coach Mike Sullivan is known for implementing firm defensive structure and a relentless commitment to the 200-foot game.

Last season, the Blueshirts tied for the fifth-most shots allowed per game in the NHL at 29.9. Every night, Shesterkin was under siege. His 1,751 shots against were the highest in the league and the Rangers surrendered the fourth-most high danger shots against in 5-on-5 situations at 198.

Sullivan’s tactical changes and the addition of first-pairing, shutdown defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov should transform the Rangers into a team that defends as a cohesive unit and protects the net-front with ruggedness. If those conditions exist, then there’s no reason why Shesterkin shouldn’t return to Vezina-trophy contending form.

Shesterkin is capable of capturing the Vezina Trophy in 2025-26. To do that, he’ll have to pry it away from back-to-back winner and reigning Hart Trophy recipient Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

The Rangers are counting on Shesterkin’s game to rebound. Since entering the league, the Russian shot-stopper recorded a combined .921 save percentage in his first five NHL regular seasons before last season’s downturn.

Should the Rangers evolve into an unyielding group that plays stingy defense, Shesterkin’s workload is going to decrease significantly. He’s going to be fresher throughout the season and will be able to breathe if he’s not under constant duress during games.

When he’s at his best, Shesterkin has carried the Blueshirts on his back by capturing improbable victories. For too long, Rangers fans have watched Henrik Lundqvist and now Shesterkin pull ordinary teams out of the fire through exemplary netminding.

If Sullivan and the defensive corps can turn down the pressure on the $11.5 million man in net, Shesterkin will be in position to reclaim his crown as the NHL’s top goaltender.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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