After 15 seasons, it looks as if the Rangers are finally ready to move on from one of the greatest goaltenders in franchise history, Henrik Lundqvist.
According to reports, New York is getting ready to buy out Lundqvist’s contract. Lundqvist has one season left on his seven-year deal worth $59.5 million. Once the buyout is completed, it will give the Rangers an added $3 million in cap space for next season.
It was clear this season that the Rangers were ready to move on from the 38-year-old, allowing both Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev to get some playing time at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.
It’s unclear right now what Lundqvist wants to do. He could retire, look to join a contender on a one-year deal, or even take a backup role somewhere in the league with a team that is looking for a veteran to coach up their young goaltender.
Whatever his next move will be, Lundqvist will be remembered as a Rangers icon. He is the sixth-winningest goaltender in NHL history with a record of 459-310-96, a five-time All-Star, and a Vezina Trophy winner, which he won for the 2011-2012 season.
