SHE’S BEEN MY ROCK: New York Rangers Star Igor Shesterkin Stuns Fans with Surprise Engagement to Long-Time Girlfriend After Years of Private Romance
SHE’S BEEN MY ROCK: New York Rangers Star Igor Shesterkin Stuns Fans with Surprise Engagement to Long-Time Girlfriend After Years of Private Romance
In a heartwarming twist to an already stellar year, New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin shocked fans and teammates alike with a surprise engagement announcement to his long-time girlfriend, Anna Butusova. After years of keeping their romance largely out of the spotlight, Shesterkin took to Instagram Monday evening to share the joyful news, writing simply, “She said yes ❤️” alongside a photo of the couple beaming with joy, Anna proudly showing off a stunning diamond ring.
The news quickly lit up social media, with fans, fellow NHL players, and celebrities flooding the comments section to offer congratulations to the happy couple. Within hours, #ShesterkinEngaged was trending on X (formerly Twitter), as fans celebrated the rare peek into the usually private life of the Rangers’ star netminder.
Shesterkin, 29, has been a dominant force in the NHL since joining the Rangers in 2019. Known for his razor-sharp reflexes and calm under pressure, he helped lead the team to a deep playoff run this past season, drawing praise as one of the league’s top goaltenders. Yet, off the ice, Shesterkin has maintained a low profile, rarely giving interviews about his personal life and keeping his relationship with Butusova away from the media spotlight.
In a rare interview on Tuesday morning with MSG Network, Shesterkin opened up briefly about the engagement and what it meant to him.
“She’s been my rock through everything,” Shesterkin said. “The injuries, the wins, the losses—she’s been there every step of the way. I’m a better player and a better man because of her.”
Sources close to the couple say the proposal took place during a quiet getaway in upstate New York over the weekend. A close friend described the moment as “intimate, emotional, and exactly what you’d expect from Igor—thoughtful and sincere.”
Butusova, a former model and current fashion entrepreneur, has also been a quiet presence in the hockey world, often attending games but rarely appearing in the public eye. The couple has been together for over six years, having met in Russia before Shesterkin made the move to North America. Friends describe their relationship as grounded and genuine, strengthened by years of long-distance, career pressures, and a shared desire for privacy.
While Shesterkin may be known for his laser focus on the ice, teammates have long praised his loyalty and quiet leadership behind the scenes. Rangers captain Jacob Trouba was among the first to react to the engagement on social media, writing, “Biggest W of the offseason! Congrats brother!” with a series of celebratory emojis.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette also weighed in, telling reporters, “It’s great to see Igor so happy. He gives so much to this team, and it’s clear he’s found someone who gives just as much to him.”
With the NHL offseason in full swing, fans are eagerly speculating whether a summer wedding could be on the horizon, though neither Shesterkin nor Butusova has shared details about a wedding date.
The engagement marks a rare moment of personal celebration for one of hockey’s most reserved stars, and it’s clear the Rangers community is fully behind the couple as they take this next step.
As one fan aptly commented beneath the announcement post: “He stops goals. She stole his heart. Power couple of the year!”
With training camp just a few months away, Shesterkin is expected to return refreshed, focused, and perhaps even more motivated. As he prepares for another big season with the Rangers, he’ll be doing
so with a new title—fiancé.
