Igor Shesterkin is expected to sign one of the most lucrative goalie contracts in NHL history within the next year, primarily in terms of average annual salary. As arguably the best goalie in the league and a pivotal figure for the New York Rangers, Shesterkin is in the prime of his career. The imminent question remains whether this agreement will be with the Rangers—an expectation—or potentially with another franchise, should the Rangers miscalculate his value.
In the past, NHL teams have hesitated to offer lengthy contracts to goaltenders due to the unpredictable nature of the position. However, there has been a notable shift over the last 25 years, particularly in recent years, with several significant long-term goalie contracts being signed. This article will review a selection of those contracts, providing a retrospective analysis and grades based on their outcomes. The analysis will focus solely on contracts that span seven years or longer.
One of the most infamous contracts is that of Rick DiPietro, signed by the New York Islanders in 2006. The 15-year deal not only marked the onset of mega-long contracts in the NHL but also culminated in disappointment as DiPietro played just 318 games through injuries, failing to fulfill the expectations set by the Islanders. Following this is Roberto Luongo's contract with the Vancouver Canucks, which produced mixed results over twelve years. Luongo played for only four and a half seasons before being traded to the Florida Panthers, yet his performance during that period justified the contract and helped the Canucks reach the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Conversely, Carey Price's eight-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017 turned out to be risky due to his age and subsequent injuries, ultimately leading to a dramatic decline in play despite standout moments in the 2020-21 postseason.
Ilya Bryzgalov's nine-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers was another failure, as he struggled significantly in his short tenure with the team after being acquired at a high cost. While Jonathan Quick's situation with the Los Angeles Kings remains complicated—marked by inconsistency yet punctuated by stellar playoff performances that secured two championships—the contract itself is viewed with nuance. John Gibson's contract with the Anaheim Ducks appeared formidable at the time but saw Gibson's performance decline significantly, thus failing to meet expectations.
Andrei Vasilevskiy’s contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning had a monumental early phase, corresponding with the team's back-to-back championship runs. Despite some signs of decline as he approached the later years of the deal, his prior performances place this contract in a positive light. Sergei Bobrovsky's tenure with the Florida Panthers saw him faced with high expectations after being signed to solve their goaltending woes. Bobrovsky's mixed results raised doubts—until he helped lead the Panthers to their first championship during the 2023 postseason.
Marc-Andre Fleury's long-term deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins certainly reached its apex during their Stanley Cup victories, underscoring the long-term value of his contract as he played a key role. In the wake of Fleury’s legacy, the Rangers experienced a similar trajectory with Henrik Lundqvist, who consistently delivered exceptional performances that masked the team's deficiencies. Lundqvist's career, while void of a Stanley Cup, earns him an easy A grade due to his extraordinary contributions throughout his tenure.
Connor Hellebuyck signed a new contract while entering his age-31 season, raising questions regarding his long-term viability. Still, he has made significant contributions to the Winnipeg Jets, earning accolades such as two Vezina Trophies. Juuse Saros is another goalie facing scrutiny, particularly as he prepares for a contract that will commence after a significant performance dip the previous season. The future success of this deal remains uncertain, underscoring the precarious nature of long-term investments in goaltending.
Jeremy Swayman recently signed a high-stakes eight-year contract with the Boston Bruins as a testament to his potential, yet the team's expectations hinge on his development as a full-time starter. Jake Oettinger, a recipient of a recent extension, has shown glimpses of greatness and still possesses untapped potential as he seeks to elevate the Dallas Stars' success. Ultimately, the assessment of these contracts provides a lens through which the complexities and risks inherent in goalie contracts can be understood, forming an integral part of NHL team strategies.
