Despite a less-than-ideal goaltending situation in New York for 38-year-old Henrik Lundqvist, he’s not going anywhere. At least not if he has anything to say about it.
During an interview with GP-Sporten’s Johan Rylander (translation required), the veteran netminder contends he’s both ready to play against the Carolina Hurricanes this season in the play-in round (should it happen), he also sees himself playing in the NHL for years to come.
Lundqvist said:
“The focus is training and this summer. Now we go for it right here. I can sense that I have it in me – to go another few years over there in the NHL. I’m sure about it! It’s clear that I’m thinking about how much I love hockey and how long I think I can continue, or even want to continue. I also realized that I can’t look that far ahead.”
What the Rangers are thinking might be another story. Yes, there are reasons to keep Lundqvist around: he’s a leader, a veteran, still skilled and there’s something to be said for finishing his career for the same team in which it started. He’s also extremely overpaid for what could be a third-string goalie.
Lundqvist admitted it’s not a great situation, but he doesn’t blame the Rangers for what might be considered tough choices. He noted:
I’m not blind. They’re thinking ahead. There are many pieces that go into building a team right now, but also for the future. You’re going to have to widen the view a little. Obviously it is disappointing to not play as much as you want. That’s where the disappointment is. It’s more … not on them (the Rangers), but more that it became as it became. And if I not had been disappointed, then I sell myself short. I want to play, to deliver at a high level. If I don’t, I will be disappointed.”
What Does Lundqvist Have Left?
With one more season remaining on an $8.5 million per season contract, this isn’t exactly a situation that takes care of itself. Sure, he’s not a long-term problem. There is a chance he finishes out the season and signs short-term deals worth around one-eighth of what he’s making now. But, how likely is that?
The Rangers holding onto three goalies and signing Alexandar Georgiev to a new contract at the same time poses problems. If the Rangers don’t believe Lundqvist has what’s needed to be a valuable goalie next season, it’s hard to imagine them not shopping him.
Next: Could Potential No. 1 Pick Alexis Lafreniere Choose Europe Before NHL?
