Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Igor Shesterkin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 30, 1995, in Moscow, Russia, he grew up in a sports-oriented family that played an important role in his development as a hockey player.
Shesterkin is married to Anna Butusova, a Russian model who has supported him throughout his NHL career. The couple have two children: a son named Timofey, born in August 2022, and a daughter born in December 2024.
His parents are Oleg Shesterkin, a former professional soccer player, and Elena Shesterkina. Some secondary biographies also identify a younger sister named Lena, although this detail is not independently confirmed in official NHL records.
Igor Shesterkin’s Wife: Anna Butusova
Igor Shesterkin is married to Anna Butusova, his longtime girlfriend and partner. Anna is a Russian model who began dating the goaltender while he was playing professional hockey in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The couple met during Shesterkin’s years with SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
According to Russian sports publications, Anna was working in the modeling industry when their relationship began.
She subsequently accompanied Shesterkin to the United States after he joined the New York Rangers organization.
Moving to another country presented challenges, particularly because Shesterkin initially had limited English-language skills.
Anna helped him adjust to life in North America and supported his efforts to improve his English.
The couple developed a close relationship while establishing their lives in New York.
When Did Igor Shesterkin and Anna Butusova Get Married?
Igor Shesterkin and Anna Butusova are married, although the exact date and location of their wedding have not been reliably established in major public sources.
The couple kept their wedding relatively private and did not widely publicize details about the ceremony.
However, their marriage has been confirmed in multiple NHL publications.
In October 2022, NHL.com identified Anna as Shesterkin’s wife while discussing the birth of their first child.
The NHL again confirmed their marriage in December 2024, when the couple welcomed their daughter.
Anna Butusova’s Modeling Career
Before becoming widely known as the wife of the Rangers goaltender, Anna Butusova pursued a career in modeling.
Russian sports publications have reported that she appeared in fashion photography and magazine features, including work associated with Vigour magazine.
She also developed a social media presence where she occasionally shared photographs of her personal life and relationship with Shesterkin.
Despite her public modeling background, Anna generally keeps many details of her family life private.
She has remained an important source of support as her husband has developed into one of the NHL’s leading goaltenders.
Igor Shesterkin’s Children
Igor Shesterkin and his wife, Anna Butusova, have two publicly confirmed children: a son named Timofey and a daughter whose name has not been widely disclosed.
Shesterkin has spoken publicly about how becoming a father changed his perspective on life and helped him appreciate time away from professional hockey.
Timofey Shesterkin – Son
Timofey Shesterkin is the first child of Igor Shesterkin and Anna Butusova. He was born on August 17, 2022.
His birth occurred during the NHL offseason, shortly after Shesterkin completed an outstanding season with the New York Rangers.
In October 2022, Shesterkin discussed becoming a father during an interview with NHL.com.
He explained that he enjoyed watching his son grow and wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
Fatherhood also influenced the family’s living arrangements.
After spending several seasons living in Manhattan, Igor and Anna moved to a house in Greenwich, Connecticut, where they had more space for their baby and family dog.
In November 2023, NHL.com published a video showing Shesterkin playing floor hockey with his young son at home.
Timofey used a small hockey stick to shoot a tennis ball toward his father, who pretended to defend the goal.
The video attracted attention among Rangers supporters and provided a glimpse into Shesterkin’s life as a father.
Timofey also became a familiar presence at Madison Square Garden.
During the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he was filmed enthusiastically cheering for his father during warmups.
Igor Shesterkin’s Daughter
Igor Shesterkin and Anna welcomed their second child, a daughter, on December 8, 2024.
Her birth occurred during an important weekend in her father’s professional hockey career.
On December 7, 2024, Shesterkin agreed to an eight-year, $92 million contract extension with the New York Rangers.
The following day, Anna gave birth to their daughter.
Shesterkin missed the Rangers’ game against the Seattle Kraken on December 8 because of the family occasion.
In a December 10, 2024, NHL.com report, he expressed happiness that his wife and newborn daughter were healthy.
He also explained that the combination of the contract negotiations and his daughter’s birth had made the weekend especially emotional.
The couple have not widely disclosed their daughter’s name or other private details about her life.
Igor Shesterkin’s Parents
Igor Shesterkin was born to Oleg Shesterkin and Elena Shesterkina in Moscow, Russia.
His parents raised him in the Setun district of western Moscow, an area closely associated with the historic Krylya Sovetov hockey organization.
Both parents supported his athletic development, although they initially had different opinions about which position he should play.
Igor Shesterkin’s Father: Oleg Shesterkin
Oleg Shesterkin is Igor Shesterkin’s father and a former soccer player.
According to an official New York Rangers player biography, Oleg played professional soccer in Russia.
His sporting background helped him understand the discipline, preparation, and commitment necessary to succeed in competitive athletics.
During Igor’s childhood, Oleg encouraged his son to participate in different sports, including soccer and hockey.
He also helped with transportation to practices and additional goaltending training sessions.
In a 2018 interview with Championat, Igor’s mother explained that Oleg initially had doubts about his son’s decision to become a goaltender.
He believed Igor might be better suited to playing as a forward or defenseman.
However, Igor strongly preferred the goaltending position, and his parents eventually supported his choice.
How Oleg Shesterkin Influenced His Son’s Career
Oleg’s experience as a soccer player became an important influence on Igor’s development.
In an interview published by The Hockey News, Shesterkin credited his father with teaching him about the pressures and responsibilities of professional sports.
He explained that his father’s experience helped him develop confidence and understand the importance of preparation.
Shesterkin also participated in multiple sports during childhood, developing athletic abilities that later benefited his goaltending style.
His father continued supporting him as he progressed through Russia’s youth hockey system and eventually established himself as a professional player.
Igor Shesterkin’s Mother: Elena Shesterkina
Elena Shesterkina is Igor Shesterkin’s mother and one of the most important figures in his early hockey development.
She played a particularly significant role in introducing him to ice hockey.
In February 2018, Elena participated in an interview with the Russian sports publication Championat, discussing her son’s childhood and his journey toward becoming an Olympic hockey player.
She recalled that the family lived near the Krylya Sovetov ice arena in Moscow.
One of her friends regularly took her own son to the arena and invited Elena and Igor to watch a hockey game.
Igor immediately became interested in the sport, prompting his parents to enroll him in the local hockey program.
Before discovering hockey, he had also participated in swimming.
However, his enthusiasm for hockey quickly became stronger.
Elena Shesterkina’s Support During Igor’s Childhood
Elena was responsible for taking Igor to many of his hockey practices during the week.
His father generally helped with transportation on weekends because of his work commitments.
According to Elena, the family’s grandparents also assisted whenever possible.
She supported Igor’s decision to become a goaltender, recognizing that he was particularly enthusiastic about the position.
When his father initially expressed doubts, Elena helped persuade him to allow Igor to pursue his preference.
She also emphasized the importance of hard work, determination, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Her interview highlighted the significant commitment required from the entire family as Igor developed through youth hockey.
Those early sacrifices eventually helped him progress to professional hockey in Russia and the NHL.
Igor Shesterkin’s Siblings
Information about Igor Shesterkin’s siblings is less extensively documented than information about his parents, wife, and children.
Some online biographical publications identify a younger sister named Lena Shesterkin, with her name occasionally written as Lina.
However, the official New York Rangers player guide does not identify any siblings, and the available major interviews do not independently confirm her name.
Lena Shesterkin – Reported Younger Sister
Lena Shesterkin is identified as Igor’s younger sister in several secondary biographical profiles.
Those reports suggest that the siblings grew up together in Moscow and maintain a close family relationship.
However, reliable information about Lena’s age, education, occupation, and personal life remains unavailable.
Because the relationship has not been independently established through authoritative sources, her identity should be regarded as reported rather than confirmed.
There is also no reliable public evidence identifying any additional brothers or sisters.
Igor Shesterkin’s Son’s Godfather: Ilya Sorokin
Another important person in the Shesterkin family’s life is fellow Russian NHL goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
Sorokin, who plays for the New York Islanders, has been a close friend of Shesterkin since their years in Russian hockey.
Despite representing rival New York teams, the two goaltenders have maintained a strong friendship away from the ice.
In February 2023, NHL.com confirmed that Sorokin is the godfather of Shesterkin’s son, Timofey.
Shesterkin and Sorokin have also spent holidays and vacations together with their families.
Their friendship illustrates the close personal connections the two players have maintained while building their careers in North America.
How Igor Shesterkin’s Family Influenced His Hockey Career
Igor Shesterkin’s hockey journey began in Moscow, where his parents introduced him to the sport at a young age.
He joined the Krylya Sovetov hockey school and developed into a promising goaltender.
His mother’s encouragement and his father’s experience in professional sports helped shape his early development.
Shesterkin subsequently progressed through the Russian junior hockey system before beginning his professional career with Spartak Moscow.
He later joined SKA Saint Petersburg, where he established himself as one of Russia’s leading goaltenders.
The New York Rangers selected him in the fourth round, 118th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut on January 7, 2020, against the Colorado Avalanche.
During the 2021–22 season, Shesterkin became one of the NHL’s most dominant goaltenders and won the Vezina Trophy.
His professional success continued while he built a family with Anna and welcomed their two children.
Throughout his career, Shesterkin has credited his parents and loved ones with helping him remain focused and motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Igor Shesterkin’s Family
Who is Igor Shesterkin’s girlfriend?
Igor Shesterkin is married to Anna Butusova, a Russian model whom he began dating while playing for SKA Saint Petersburg.
Who is Igor Shesterkin’s wife?
His wife is Anna Butusova, also known as Anna Shesterkina. She accompanied him to North America and has supported his professional hockey career.
Is Igor Shesterkin married?
Yes. Shesterkin is married to Anna Butusova, although their exact wedding date has not been publicly confirmed.
Does Igor Shesterkin have children?
Yes. Igor Shesterkin and Anna have two children: a son named Timofey and a daughter whose name has not been publicly disclosed.
Who is Igor Shesterkin’s son?
His son is Timofey Shesterkin, who was born on August 17, 2022.
When was Igor Shesterkin’s daughter born?
His daughter was born on December 8, 2024, shortly after he agreed to a major contract extension with the New York Rangers.
Who are Igor Shesterkin’s parents?
Igor Shesterkin’s parents are Oleg Shesterkin and Elena Shesterkina, who raised him in Moscow, Russia.
Who is Igor Shesterkin’s father?
His father is Oleg Shesterkin, a former professional soccer player who helped guide Igor’s athletic development.
Who is Igor Shesterkin’s mother?
His mother is Elena Shesterkina, who helped introduce Igor to hockey and regularly accompanied him to practices during childhood.
Does Igor Shesterkin have siblings?
Some secondary biographies identify a younger sister named Lena or Lina Shesterkin. However, this information has not been independently confirmed through official NHL sources or major interviews.
Is Ilya Sorokin related to Igor Shesterkin?
Ilya Sorokin is not publicly identified as Igor Shesterkin’s biological relative. However, the two are longtime friends, and Sorokin is the godfather of Shesterkin’s son, Timofey.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
