Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Igor Shesterkin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Igor Shesterkin made an impact.

Igor Shesterkin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. Drafted in 2014, he quickly established himself as a top goalie in the league. Notably, he won the Vezina Trophy in the 2021-22 season, recognizing him as the NHL's best goaltender. His exceptional performance has made him a key player for the Rangers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Selected by Spartak Moscow in KHL Draft

In 2012, at age 16, Igor Shesterkin was selected by Spartak Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) Draft.

2013: MHL Level Debut

In the 2013-14 season, Igor Shesterkin played his first season within Spartak, at the MHL level, featuring for MHK Spartak.

January 2014: Professional and KHL Debut

In January 2014, Igor Shesterkin made his professional debut in the KHL. He was recalled from MHK to play the final 8 minutes for Spartak in a game against HC Ugra on January 20, 2014. Three days later, on January 23, he made his first start, losing 3-1 to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

June 2014: Signed with SKA Saint Petersburg and Drafted by New York Rangers

In June 2014, Igor Shesterkin signed with SKA Saint Petersburg and was selected by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the NHL entry draft.

2014: Drafted by the New York Rangers

In 2014, Igor Shesterkin was selected by the New York Rangers in the fourth round, 118th overall, of the NHL entry draft.

2015: Rangers Advanced to Eastern Conference Final

In 2022, the Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2015, facing the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2018: World Championships Performance

In 2018, Igor Shesterkin represented Russia at the World Championships in Denmark, achieving two shutout victories with a 1.46 goals against average and a .942 save percentage.

May 2019: Signed with the New York Rangers

In May 2019, Igor Shesterkin signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers.

January 2020: NHL Debut

In January 2020, Igor Shesterkin was recalled to the New York Rangers and made his NHL debut on January 7, achieving a 5-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche. He also became the sixth Rangers' goaltender to win his first two games with the team.

April 2021: First NHL Shutout

In April 2021, Igor Shesterkin earned his first NHL career shutout in a 3-0 win against the New Jersey Devils on April 13. He recorded his second career shutout in the next game against the Devils in a 4-0 contest on April 15, becoming the second Rangers rookie with back-to-back shutouts.

August 2021: Signed Contract Extension with the Rangers

In August 2021, Igor Shesterkin signed a four-year, $22.67 million contract extension with the New York Rangers.

2021: Vezina Trophy Winner

In the 2021-22 season, Igor Shesterkin won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender.

February 2022: 50 Wins in 79 Starts

On February 20, 2022, Igor Shesterkin became the 14th NHL goaltender with at least 50 wins in 79 starts after defeating the Ottawa Senators 2-1.

2022: Playoff Debut and Record-Setting Saves

In the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Igor Shesterkin made his NHL playoff debut on May 3. In Game 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he made 79 saves in a 4-3 triple overtime loss, setting a team record and the second-most saves in a playoff game league-wide.

October 2023: Fastest Rangers Goaltender to Reach 100 Wins

On October 12, 2023, Igor Shesterkin became the fastest Rangers goaltender to reach 100 wins, achieving this milestone in only 159 outings. During a victory against the Carolina Hurricanes, Shesterkin suffered a "minor soreness" injury and missed a few games as a precaution, but returned against the New Jersey Devils. He was selected to his second consecutive All-Star nod.

2023: Playoff Performance Despite Team Loss

During the 2023 playoffs, Igor Shesterkin posted a .931 save percentage and 1.96 goals-against average, despite the Rangers losing to the New Jersey Devils in seven games.