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New York Rangers: Igor Shestyorkin Could be on Track to Take Over for Lundqvist

By Ben Whitney

May 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) applauds the fans after losing in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) applauds the fans after losing in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Henrik Lundqvist turned 35 last season and his illustrious career is winding down. The New York Rangers must plan for life after Hank. They have some decent goalie prospects in their system, but the highest rated is Igor Shestyorkin. The athletic Russian is young but could be on track to become the next franchise goaltender.

Henrik Lundqvist is signed for four more seasons through 2020-21. His cap hit is eight and a half million per year, so it seems unlikely he’ll be traded. Lundqvist had some spurts of stellar play in 16-17, but was inconsistent in the worst statistical season of his career.

Last Year’s Backups

Antti Raanta had an outstanding year backing up Lundqvist, but he is only signed for one more year. If the Rangers don’t trade him, he is not likely to come back after next year to remain Lundqvist’s backup. He also is a potential candidate for the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft.

Magnus Hellberg had a cup of coffee with the Rangers at the end of the season after winning 29 games in Hartford. But the big Swede is 25 and projected as a backup Hellberg is headed to the KHL after signing with HC Kunlun Red Star.

Related Story: 2017 Report Cards - Antti Raanta

The Other Contenders

Brandon Halverson is a solid 20-year-old prospect who won 20 games in the OHL for the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds. Halverson is big and moves well. He is young enough to develop and may get his chance in Hartford if Raanta moves on.

MacKenzie Skapsi was a highly regarded prospect after an excellent rookie season in the AHL. But a hip injury has derailed Skapsi’s progress and he has floundered in the last two seasons.

High Hopes for Igor

The top goalie prospect is Shestyorkin, the 21-year-old Russian. He has one full season in the KHL under his belt and is signed for two more years. Shestyorkin was an eye-popping 27-4-6 in the regular season for St. Petersburg, with a GAA of 1.64 and a save percentage of .937. It was an outstanding season.

Related Story: Replacing Antti Raanta, Options from Within

Scouts rave about Shestyorkin’s athleticism and quick reflexes. He is an excellent puck handler and can move from post to post in a flash. He has some positional issues and has been known to lose his composure at times, but these are things that should correct with coaching and maturity. The skills are there.

Shestyorkin can’t play in North American until at least 2019-2000 when Lundqvist will have two seasons left on his contract. If he did come west that season, he would be 23, the same age as Lundqvist when he left Sweden.

Final Thoughts

It is difficult to predict the progression of young goaltenders and Shestyorkin has a long road ahead. But if he continues to improve, it is conceivable that he could be ready to take over for Lundqvist when his KHL contract expires. He could also spend some time in the minor leagues if additional seasoning is needed.

Next: 2017 Report Cards - Henrik Lundqvist

With Lundqvist in the twilight of his career, the search for the goalie of the future is intensifying. The organization’s highest hopes reside with Igor Shestyorkin. The youngster has a long way to go, but he is on track to become the heir to the King.

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