The 2025-26 New York Rangers are getting ready to start up their centennial season. As the summer rolls along, there is time to start gauging what kind of expectations each player should have for next season.
At the moment, almost all of the Blueshirts that played last season and are getting ready to be a part of next season's team have very high expectations. There is one Rangers player who almost certainly has the highest goals to reach next season, and that is goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
What does that look like?
The Prince must now claim King Henrik's throne
This is it. With the aura of this team in disarray and the expectation in limbo, it is time for one player to step up more than others. Much like Henrik Lundqvist did for years, Shesterkin has to claim the King's throne once and for all.
No one can do it like Lundqvist did, but Shesterkin has a chance to upstage him. With all of the chips betting against the Rangers and that they will once again have a failing season, Shesterkin is the only player who can pull them out of it.
We will not be able to accurately say that Shesterkin has a better career than Lundqvist unless two things happen. Shesterkin wins a Stanley Cup with the Rangers, or he beats the all-time win record.
What kind of expectation for 2025-26?
Shesterkin has a very high goal list this upcoming season, and there is no room for failure. He has to bring this team back to the playoffs. He had an "off" season in 2024-25, but it was still leagues better than most. He has to surpass 35+ wins on the year, maybe set a career-high in shutouts, which is currently at six, and continue to be a difference-maker on the ice.
The rest of the team has to play great around him, and with a brand-new and upgraded first-pair defenseman in Vladislav Gavrikov, things should look a lot different next season. This is the perfect time and opportunity for Shesterkin to have a Vezina-esque season.
Anything short of perfection, is a complete and utter failure.