KingsFan7824
Registered User
They're going to re-sign him if he wants to stay. Especially if they're good as the season progresses. It's the same thing as Kopitar in 15-16. Had they sucked that year, had DL not invested in the 15-16 season and tried to win, maybe they trade him, or let him walk. Probably not, but maybe. Then they were 4th overall on the day they re-signed him.
Nobody just lets guys walk if they want to play there. Buffalo let Briere and Drury walk after 06-07, and almost 20 years later, they have yet to recover. You can blame that level of failure on ownership and/or management, and neither Briere or Drury ever had as good a season as they had in 06-07 for the rest of their careers, but teams don't usually let talent walk out the door, even if they have to overpay.
Couple that with the worst outcome last year, the Panthers winning with a 35 year old $10m cap hit goalie half a decade after giving it to him, and the Rangers will be able to justify any contract they eventually give to Shesterkin. Because you're not supposed to win with a 35 year old goalie at a $10m hit. Not supposed to win with your best defenseman as a former 126th overall pick waiver wire guy either.
