The New York Rangers opened training camp this week with a blunt message from their franchise goaltender, who has one clear goal in mind.
Russian netminder Igor Shesterkin, asked about his expectations for the 2025-26 season, offered just two words: “Stanley Cup.”
The comment comes after a year of disappointment for the Rangers, who failed to make the playoffs in 2024-25, only one season removed from reaching the Eastern Conference Final.
For Shesterkin, it was also a tumultuous season as he played the first half of it under the uncertainty of whether or not he'd sign a contract extension with the Rangers. Ultimately, he inked a max-term, eight-year, $92 million contract in December.
What are Igor Shesterkin’s expectations for #NYR this season?
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 19, 2025
“Stanley Cup.”
The 29-year-old netminder enters the first season of his record-breaking deal following a 27-29-5 campaign.
Shesterkin finished last year with 21.6 Goals Saved Above Expected and posted a 0.37 Goals Against Average Better Than Expected, according to Money Puck.
Shesterkin said on Friday that the team-wide focus is on a reset under new Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan.
“Of course, we are focused on a new start,” Shesterkin said. “We forget last season. We just look to turn this page and be ready for the next preseason games and for opening night.”
Shesterkin added that he has been encouraged by the approach of Sullivan, who was hired after a decade with the Pittsburgh Penguins where he won two Stanley Cup titles.
“He is a pretty good coach,” Shesterkin said. “He knows what he wants, so he put hard work for everyone.”
Beyond the crease, the Rangers begin this new chapter with J.T. Miller named captain and Sullivan setting a harder, faster style of play.
“We want to be a fast, in-your-face, F-U type of team,” Miller said explainging the "No B.S." slogan used by the Rangers. “What are (other teams) going to say about the Rangers in their room? What do we want them to think about us? ‘They’re a team that’s not going to give you an easy night.’”
The Rangers will open their regular season on October 7 against the Penguins.
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