This should be a fun one.
The Oilers need an upgrade in goal. The Rangers are looking to make changes to their line up and based on salary demands it seems like Shesterkin could be moved before the trade deadline. So do the Oilers really go for the Cup this year and make a massive deal for a pure rental?
Igor Shesterkin 28, (G) $5.66 Million pending UFA. No retention. No extension.
Oilers 1st round pick either 2025/26 whichever isn't moved to Philly
Oilers 1st round pick 2027
Oilers 2nd round pick 2025
Oilers 2nd round pick 2026
Stu Skinner 26 (G) $2.6 Million expires end of next season
Jeff Skinner 32 C/W $3.0 Million pending UFA
This makes the trade more or less cap neutral.
Historically Goaltenders don't go for this kind of haul, *especially* rentals. However Shesterkin is arguably the best in the league and his stellar play has covered some serious defensive shortcomings on the Rangers roster. Sounds exactly like what the Oilers need.
This could win them the Cup.
In the off season Shesterkin wants to sign for more than the eye-watering eight year, $88 Million dollar contract offered by New York. The Oilers have no chance to match that. Who knows, maybe becoming a Stanley Cup winner is the feather in his cap he needs to get the number he wants. Maybe that number comes from the Rangers who sign him as a free agent in the summer AND get the draft capital above.
Stu Skinner is added because the Oilers have to make some room under the cap and someone has to share duties with Quick. Jeff Skinner is also added for the same cap reason and his contract expires at the end of the year. Not a painful add for the Rangers to take on.