Igor Shesterkin, the standout goaltender for the New York Rangers, has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper body injury, as confirmed by NHL sources. This development comes as the Rangers have recalled veteran goalie Louis Domingue from their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Shesterkin's backup, Jonathan Quick, has had a mixed start to the season, holding a record of 5-4-0 over 12 games, with a .907 save percentage and a 2.69 goals-against average.

In the Rangers' recent 5-3 defeat to the Florida Panthers, Shesterkin faced 25 shots, saving 21. The injury occurred during the game when Panthers forward Sam Bennett collided with him after being checked by Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Although Shesterkin stayed in the game, he has since been sidelined.

This season, Shesterkin has struggled with a record of 11-15-1 in 27 games, along with a .906 save percentage and a 3.10 goals-against average. Despite these challenges, he ranks second among NHL goalies with 13 goals saved above replacement. The Rangers as a team have been performing poorly, currently sitting 20th in goals against per game and having lost four consecutive matches. They are also seven points adrift of a playoff position.

Adding to the drama, Shesterkin recently signed a lucrative contract extension on December 6, which will make him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history starting in the 2025-26 season. This eight-year deal is worth $92 million and comes as he navigates a difficult final year of his current contract.