The New York Rangers will be without Henrik Lundqvist in net for the first time in years and now have both of his replacements under contract. The team announced they have agreed to terms with Alexandar Georgiev on a new contract, which CapFriendly reports will be a two-year deal that carries an average annual value of $2.425MM.
Georgiev, 24, has more NHL experience than his crease partner Igor Shesterkin, but not much. The undrafted goaltender has appeared in 77 games over the last three seasons, posting mostly excellent results whenever given an opportunity. He has a .913 save percentage and 35-31-7 record, posting four shutouts and even a 55-save performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019.
The young tandem will be incredible to watch develop with a Rangers team that is turning the corner towards contention and both will be protected from the Seattle expansion draft. Shesterkin is not eligible for selection thanks to his limited North American experience, while Georgiev can now be the goaltender the team protects, exposing third-string Keith Kinkaid in the process (a key reason why Kinkaid was given a two-year deal).
Importantly, Georgiev will also not be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this deal. Instead, he will once again be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, a process he elected this offseason as well. Georgiev’s hearing that was originally scheduled for October 31 will no longer be necessary.
Not only will the Rangers have a strong tandem in 2020-21, but they are also only paying a total of $3.35MM for the pair of goaltenders. That will change slightly with Shesterkin’s RFA status next offseason, but given he won’t be eligible for arbitration they should have a window here of very inexpensive, but very productive, goaltending.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Rangers are well off in net. Jesus man I’m grateful for Peterson but imagine having 2 great young goalies
Quick and Bernier
Bernier has high potential but never panned out. Was a bust in my opinion. I love quick though, and hope he retires a king, wouldn’t have those 2 cups without him.
Rangers though you go from Henrik to shesterkin a generational goalie with this quality kid as a back up. Rangers future looks bright
I wouldn’t call Shesterkin generational.
I have seen the excellent edge work and speed he plays with sound in all areas and makes few mistakes. Strong minors track record and small sample in nhl on a bad rangers team. Imo he is better than Askarov who is deemed a generational goalie prospect.
Shesterkin and Sorokin will battle it out for the Vezina trophy for the next 5-6 years. Both are excellent goalies. New Yorkers are about to be treated to some fine goaltending performances.