The New York Rangers are officially cleaning house.
On Tuesday, the Rangers bought out the contract of goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers
Lundqvist, 38, has had a remarkable career, all of it spent with the Rangers, and recorededshimmering statistics including 459-310-96 with a 2.43 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and 64 shutouts in 887 NHL games. In the postseason, his stats are61-67 with a 2.30 GAA, a .921 save percentage and 10 shutouts.
“We would like to thank Henrik for his immeasurable contributions to the New York Rangers,” Rangers president and alternate governor John Davidson said. “From the time I met Henrik when he first came to New York in 2005, he has been the consummate professional. His tireless work ethic, passion for the game, and love of the Rangers and New York City enabled him to become one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey and one of the best players in the history of our franchise. We all wish Henrik and his family the best going forward.”
The final year of the contract, signed in 2013 was $8.5 million average annual value.
“Few players have been as important to the Rangers franchise as Henrik Lundqvist, and we are incredibly grateful for all he has done for our organization,” executive chairman, MSG Sports James L. Dolan said. “Over his 15-year tenure, he not only established himself as one of the best goaltenders to ever play the game, he has also been one of hockey’s fiercest competitors and most effective ambassadors. He will always be a part of the Rangers family.”
Many would argue that Lundqvist should have been traded a few years ago to give him a chance to win a Stanley Cup with another club, and help the Rangers begin an earlier rebuilding effort. At 38, age is creeping up and rearing its ugly head over a goalie who has given his all to the franchise.
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist (#30) of the New York Rangers makes a glove save in the first period.
Age was one component of the two-headed monster facing Lundqvist and the Rangers.
There is youth throughout the new Rangers’ lineup, Marc Staal was traded over the weekend to the Detroit Red Wings, and the goalie position is no exception.
New York has Alexandar Georgiev and rookie Igor Shesterkin in the fold. Both goalies are capable and ready to compete for the number one spot on the team.
Georgiev was coveted by several NHL clubs and that may have been the motivating factor for the Rangers. Trade Georgiev and then need to find another goalie after Lundqvist’s contract ended at the end of the coming season?
Didn’t make any sense.
General manager Jeff Gorton and Davidson are paid to make the tough decisions. Staal and Lundqvist were tough decisions, made.
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