When Igor Shesterkin signed his two-year entry-level contract on May 3, 2019, there was a general sense of relief among the fan base. After nearly five years of hoping and waiting, the New York Rangers finally had their heir apparent to Henrik Lundqvist locked up and officially on his way to Broadway. Despite lofty expectations for the 24-year old goaltender heading into the 2019-20 season, the Rangers weren’t going to rush anything.
They let the goalie battle play out during training camp and ultimately decided on Shesterkin beginning the year in the AHL to adjust to the North American game.