The New York Rangers recently announced a series of major transactions that sent shockwaves through the NHL. First, they traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. Then, they signed franchise goalie Igor Shesterkin to the league’s largest goaltending contract: eight years, $92 million ($11.5 million AAV). The move aims to provide long-term stability at hockey’s most critical position. While NHL fans marvel at Shesterkin’s massive payday, Islanders fans can breathe easy knowing their goaltending situation is already settled.

After a stellar 2022-23 season, Islanders franchise goalie Ilya Sorokin agreed to an eight-year, $66 million extension ($8.25 million AAV). The contract keeps Sorokin on Long Island until 2032 when he’ll be 36. On paper, Shesterkin’s $92 million deal suggests a significant performance gap between the two netminders. However, that assumption doesn’t hold up under scrutiny—especially this season, where Sorokin has proven just as valuable.

Shesterkin’s 2021-22 campaign remains legendary. He led the league with a .935 save percentage (SV%), a 2.07 goals-against average (GAA), and an incredible 44.9 goals saved above average (GSAA). These numbers earned him the Vezina Trophy in a landslide, with 29 of 32 first-place votes. Shesterkin’s dominance even garnered Hart Trophy recognition, finishing third in MVP voting behind Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. His heroics propelled the Rangers to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2015, cementing him as one of the league’s elite.

Meanwhile, a few miles east, the Islanders had found their franchise goalie in Sorokin. Like Shesterkin, Sorokin earned Vezina votes in 2021-22. His true breakout came the following year, with a .924 SV%, 2.34 GAA, and 36.0 GSAA. These numbers earned him second place in Vezina voting, trailing only Linus Ullmark’s historic season with the record-setting Boston Bruins.

Here’s where things get interesting.

Shesterkin’s numbers have declined yearly since his Vezina win. His SV% has dropped from .935 to .910, and his GAA has risen from 2.07 to 2.95. Currently, Shesterkin holds a losing record in the 2024-25 season (9-10-1). Though he plays about 55 games per season, his numbers have raised questions.

Sorokin has experienced similar declines. His SV% has dropped from .924 to .909, and his GAA increased from 2.34 to 2.64. While his numbers are slightly below Shesterkin’s, the gap is marginal. Advanced analytics tell a similar story. Shesterkin ranks 13th in Goals Saved Above Expected (6.3), while Sorokin is 15th (5.4). Adjusted for games played, they rank 21st and 22nd, respectively. Is Shesterkin’s slight edge really worth an extra $3.25 million annually?

Team environment may explain the differences. Shesterkin benefits from one of the league’s strongest rosters. The Rangers are coming off a Presidents’ Trophy season, boasting an elite power play and penalty kill. They allowed just 278 high-danger shots, the 10th fewest in the NHL. Backup goalie Jonathan Quick even outperformed Shesterkin in some metrics, such as Goals Against Better Than Expected (Quick ranked ninth; Shesterkin, 12th).

Sorokin, in contrast, operates in a far more challenging environment. The Islanders allowed the fourth most shots on goal, eighth most high-danger chances, and fourth most rebound attempts. In short, Sorokin has had far less defensive support.

It’s concerning that both goalies are seeing statistical declines post-payday. Ideally, franchises expect consistency at a minimum. However, the Islanders comparatively secured a bargain with Sorokin, while their cross-town rivals may face financial constraints. Shesterkin’s massive cap hit could limit the Rangers’ ability to retain or sign top-tier defensemen or forwards.

The Islanders, by contrast, enjoy long-term flexibility. Isles fans should feel relieved their team won’t face cap-related headaches five years from now, while Rangers fans may need to brace for tough decisions.

featured image courtesy of Marc DesRosiers

statistics courtesy of moneypuck.com

Joey McAuliffe

Joey McAuliffe is a passionate Islander fan pursuing a Masters of Accounting in Buffalo, NY. His favorite player of all time is Jordan Eberle. He has followed the team closely since 2014, but he began regularly attending games during the 2006 season. Outside of hockey, Joey loves music and the Buffalo Bills.