According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, however, that might not be enough to convince Shesterkin to sign. In Friedman's eyes, Shesterkin's chasing the biggest contract within the Rangers organization, as he reported in his latest 32 Thoughts column.

It’s hard to argue that Igor Shesterkin isn’t the best current goaltender in the National Hockey League — and the New York Rangers know that. So much so that they reportedly offered the Russian $88 million over eight years on a new contract extension,

The star goalie didn't let the noise around his pending free agency cast a shadow on his performance to start the season.