For years, Igor Shesterkin has been considered one of the best goaltenders in the league, and the backbone of the New York Rangers. Since entering the league he has a 2.52 goals against average and a .917 save percentage, and he's consistently been the guy the Rangers have counted on to deliver a big performancewhen the lights are at their brightest.
However, aside from the obvious one, there is one big thing missing from Shesterkin's resume. That is a second Vezina Trophy, and winning a second one would put him in top company among some of the NHL's most elite goaltenders. Sure, he won it back in the 2021-22 season. But a second one would cement him as one of the best goalies of the 2020s, something that Connor Hellebuyck has already done. Given how the Rangers have built their roster entering 2026-27, Shesterkin has his best opportunity yet to claim it.
This is Igor Shesterkin's best shot at taking home his second Vezina
Shesterkin is coming off one of his best seasons in years. In 51 games, he had a 2.50 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. Sure, it's not the .935 save percentage and 2.07 goals against average that earned him his first Vezina. But it was an improvement from the 2024-25 season, which saw him put up the worst numbers of his career. It showed that two seasons ago was just an anomaly, and he is still capable of being an elite goalie. It was also impressive to see Shesterkin look his usual self after missing some time due to injury, and the year wasn't completely lost to "rust".
With Shesterkin still being an elite netminder, the Rangers will rely on him to carry the team. If the Rangers want to be successful this season, Shesterkin will play a big role. The Rangers no longer have a strong backup goalie like Jonathan Quick. Sure, Joonas Korpisalo is on the team as a former starter, but he will never provide the depth that Quick did during his Hall of Fame worthy career. Because of the downgrade behind him, Shesterkin will have to play more than he has, which will make his numbers look even more impressive.
Rangers are doing their best to support franchise star
The Rangers have also put together the best defensive core Shesterkin's ever had. Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov showed they are one of the best pairings in the league. They also acquired Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi this summer which should be a strong duo. Then you have the wild card of an Alberts Smits and Braden Schneider pairing. An improved blue line will take stress off Shesterkin and allow him to face fewer shots.
Now, stats are the main thing that the general managers use to decide this award. But if Shesterkin's strong play can get the Rangers back to the playoffs, it could be what separates him from the rest of the candidates. He will have the storyline that few will be able to beat out. Playing so well that you brought one of the most historic and popular brands back to the playoffs for the first time since 2023-24 is not an easy feat. It is something that will resonate.
This season puts Shesterkin in the best chance to win the Vezina in years. If he can help lead the Rangers back to the playoffs, he should be the favorite to take home the hardware. His journey toward hardware history begins tonight against Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. If Drury’s summer overhaul functions as intended, Shesterkin will have every opportunity to finish the season back on top of the hockey world.
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