New York Rangers prospect goalie Igor Shestyorkin denies any notion that he’s making demands of the Blueshirts.
New York Rangers prospect goaltender Igor Shestyorkin now has the time to decide what the next step in his career should be. His KHL team was eliminated from the playoffs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Shestyorkin made 22 saves on 24 shots as SKA was knocked out of the playoffs just one win from the Gagarin Cup Finals.
Following the loss, Sports Express reporter Alexey Shevchenko, who covers hockey for the Russian Daily Newspaper, spoke with Shestyorkin about his potential future with the Rangers.
With his contract expired at the end of the KHL season, Shestyorkin was asked about a few rumors that have been circulating in social media the last few months.
After the loss, the Russian goalie said, “I need to emotionally recharge. Reboot, forget about what happened.” Shevchenko then went on to ask him a critical question regarding his playing status if he signs with the Blueshirts.
Shestyorkin was asked to comment on the statement by the reporter.
Shevchenko: They say they do not agree to a bilateral contract with the Rangers and are threatening to stay in Russia.
Shestyorkin: Oh, I also saw it all and was very surprised. Either I was incorrectly translated, or someone just wrote a lie. But how can I demand from the Rangers to play only in the NHL? I just have no right to do that. So all this is nonsense.”
Shevchenko: And if you are sent to the Hartford in the AHL?
Shestyorkin: I’ll go to Hartford. But I’m not ready to talk about it at all. Give time.
The Rangers will have a goaltending controversy at training camp in September should Shestyorkin sign an entry-level contract. Henrik Lundqvist, who has two years left on his no-trade-clause contract, Alexandar Georgiev, and Shestyorkin could all be battling for net time.
It’s a great problem to have as the two Russian goaltenders are primed to take over for Lundqvist eventually. The question of when remains on everyone’s minds.
