The New York Rangers will have plenty on their plate this offseason. After the organization declared its intentions on a retool, changes will be forthcoming once Game 82 ends.
One of the changes that could very well take place is in the crease. No, it doesn’t seem like Igor Shesterkin is going anywhere. But a need could emerge behind the Rangers’ number one goalie.
The Blueshirts could be in the market for another goalie should Jonathan Quick retire. The 40-year-old signed a one-year deal ahead of this season. While he hasn’t openly hinted about retiring, there’s a good chance he might hang them up for good.
If he does, the Rangers will need someone to pair with Shesterkin. And who better to tandem with Shesterkin than Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Stuart Skinner?
Skinner, as fans may remember, was in the eye of the storm during his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers. The 27-year-old was part of the trade that sent Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Skinner has quietly put together a solid season.
While Skinner hasn’t been spectacular, he’s been a key member of the Penguins’ squad this season. He’ll also be a UFA this summer.
Skinner’s current-three-year deal will expire at the end of the season. It might seem like remaining in Pittsburgh might be Skinner’s best bet. But if the Rangers came calling, the opportunity to star on Broadway may be too much to pass up.
Skinner Would Be Shesterkin’s Backup
Make no mistake about it. Skinner would be the backup to Shesterkin. The Russian goalie would get the lion’s share of starts. But as Rangers fans saw this season, injuries can happen. And it was the injury to Shesterkin in early January that sent the Blueshirts’ season off the rails.
Quick came into the starting role in Shesterkin’s absence. But he just couldn’t hold the fort. That’s why a goalie like Skinner could come in and provide stability if Shesterkin should even go down with injury again.
The only issue would be if Skinner were amenable to being a backup. Considering his career trajectory, there may not be very many starting roles available to him. So, heading to New York could become a good opportunity to buy himself one more shot at becoming a full-time starter.
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Rangers Would Have to Pay Much for Skinner
Skinner is coming off a $2.6 million cap hit. He hasn’t done enough since signing his expiring contract to warrant a hefty raise. As such, it wouldn’t cost the Rangers much to sign him.
If anything, Skinner, as a backup, could be willing to take a one or two-year show-me deal. That type of contract would aim to prove he is still an NHL-caliber goalie.
In fact, being in a lower-pressure role could be just what he needs to prove he’s worthy of getting another shot elsewhere. Since Sheskterkin is unlikely to go anywhere, Skinner’s only true role could be as a backup.
That’s why a cap hit around $2.5 million on, say, a one-year deal, wouldn’t be the craziest idea in the world.
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