New York Rangers: Is Igor Shestyorkin a true successor for the crease?

As Henrik Lundqvist approaches his 40’s, the New York Rangers must take some time to assess who will be the next netminder in New York. Russian Igor Shestyorkin is statistically a great option.

This October Henrik Lundqvist will embark on his 13th NHL season. Lundqvist, 35, is reaching the point in his career where the New York Rangers have to ask, “How many years does he have left?”

The Rangers have some decent options, but perhaps one of the best possible options takes us to Russia. Igor Shestyorkin, 21, was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 4th round of the NHL draft at #118 overall. He is currently under contract until 2018-2019 with SKA St. Petersburg of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League.

Statistics Speak Volumes

Lundqvist has been a cornerstone of the New York Rangers since he stepped into the starting role in the 2005-2006 season. He ranks highly among active goaltenders in many traditional statistics.

Second with 405 wins
Second in games played with 742
Second with 61 shutouts
Second with 43,626 minutes played
Fifth with a 2.32 goals against average
Sixth with a .920 save percentage

The good news is that Lundqvist was far from a first round pick. In 2000 Lundqvist was selected 205th overall by the New York Rangers, just eight picks into the seventh round. Now draft position usually holds little value when it comes to rating players on their future, but it certainly is a good measurement tool.

Russian goaltending prospect Shestyorkin put up exciting numbers this past KHL season with SKA, topping it off with a Gagarin Cup win,

Second with 27 wins
20th in games played with 39
Second with 8 shutouts
Eighth with a .937 SV%
Eighth with a 1.64 GAA

The extra time in the KHL is not a bad route for Shestyorkin to follow. Any experience is important for a young goalie. Lundqvist did not get a chance to play an NHL game until five years after his draft date. During those five years, Lundqvist played for Frolunda in the Swedish Elite League.

Shestyorkin has proven that he can compete with more veteran talent while being on one of the more competitive teams in the KHL. When it comes to succeeding Lundqvist, it will be important for Shestyorkin to be used to the spotlight.

The Goalie Whisperer

The Rangers have had high levels of success in the crease behind Lundqvist. Perhaps one of the most influential factors is the Rangers goaltending coach, Benoit Allaire. Allaire has been with New York since 2004 after a tenure with Arizona and Montreal as well as stints in the QMJHL. The veteran goalie coach groomed Jose Theodore, Antti Raanta, Nikolai Khabibulin, as well as Cam Talbot.

Although developing goaltenders is not an exact science, Allaire has proven time and time again his ability to allow his goaltenders to thrive. His pupils speak highly of him, but his quality of work speaks volumes more. Cam Talbot put up Vezina candidate numbers in the 2016-2017 season, and Antti Raanta put up career highs in wins, saves, shutouts, minutes, quality starts, and games played.

The hope is that Allaire and Shestyorkin develop a relationship similar to Lundqvist and Allaire. The stylistic improvements that have come each season with Lundqvist have propelled his game in a new direction each season.

Next: How do the Rangers wrap up the offseason?

With the opportunities to be provided to Shestyorkin, there is a tremendous amount of potential available.

Both Benoit Allaire and Henrik Lundqvist will hopefully help build Shestyorkin into a goaltender who will support this team as much as Lundqvist has in these past 12 seasons.

Home/Prospects