Two young Russian stars extended their contracts today
It's young goalie signing day today. Earlier in the day, we learned that the Philadelphia Flyers had extended the contract of their goalie Carter Hart.
Obviously, two other young stars followed as the Rangers signed Igor Shesterkin to a 4-year deal worth $5.65 million per season. The Washington Capitals signed their number one goalie Ilya Samsonov for 1 year, worth $2 million.
Shesterkin, 25, is an incredible young goalie with unlimited potential in front of the net. He was once a fourth round pick of the Rangers in 2014. Last year he had respectable stats as a starting goalie, racking up 16 wins in 35 games, posting a .916 save percentage and maintaining a 2.62 goals-against average, as well as earning two shutouts. Over the next four years, he will have time to prove to everyone that he belongs among the NHL's elite. A good contract for both sides.
Ilya Samsonov, 24, has had a much harder time establishing himself as the starting goalie in Washington. The potential is there, but it feels like he still needs to work to be able to reach the next level. The former Capitals' first pick in 2015 racked up 13 wins in 19 games last year. At first glance, that may sound great, but his personal stats aren't great, hence his .902 save percentage and 2.99 goals-against average. However, he's only going to get better, playing for a powerhouse like the Capitals.
Sportsnet's Nick Alberga even revealed a very big prediction about the two Russian goaltenders. According to him, the two youngsters will finish in the top 10 in the voting for the Vézina Trophy, given to the best goalie in the NHL.
This is quite a revelation from the writer! However, it is very realistic, even legitimate. The future of the NHL regarding this position belongs to the Russians, with Vasilevskiy, Shesterkin, Sorokin and Samsonov, to only name a few.
