09/30/20 11:59:00
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09/30 11:57 CDT Rangers buy out star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist's contract
Rangers buy out star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist's contract
By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- The "King" of Madison Square Garden has been deposed.
The New York Rangers have bought out the contract of star goaltender Henrik
Lundqvist, parting ways with one of their greatest players in franchise history
after 15 mostly spectacular seasons.
"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," said James L. Dolan, executive chairman, MSG Sports. "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."
In buying out the final year of the 38-year old's contact, the Rangers will
save $3.7 million in cap space for next season. Lundqvist is now a free agent.
The Rangers traded veteran defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round draft
choice to Detroit in the last week in another cap move.
Since joining the team in 2005-06, Lundqvist has won the Vezina Trophy
(2011-12), led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final (2014), and been selected
to the All-Star game five times. He also helped Sweden win gold at the 2006
Turin Olympics.
Lundqvist tweeted a thank you after the move and many friends congratulated
him, including tennis great Roger Federer.
"15 years ago, I played my first game for @NYRangers I came here with high
hopes and big dreams but in my wildest imagination, I could never have pictured
the amazing ride that lay ahead..," he wrote.
Lundqvist played in 887 games, posting a 459-310-96 record with a 2.43
goals-against average. The man referred to as "The King" was limited to 30
games in this past season and had a 10-12-3 record with a career-worst 3.16
goals-against average.
Lundqvist's time with the Rangers was shortened by the play of goaltenders Igor
Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev, who are in their mid-20s.
Lundqvist was a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden and the chants of
"Hen-rik" reverberated in the arena after one of his countless spectacular
saves.
"We would like to thank Henrik for his immeasurable contributions to the New
York Rangers," Rangers President 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."
Lundqvist owns almost every record for goalies in Rangers history, including
victories, shutouts (64), playoff wins and games played. He also has excelled
under pressure. Lundqvist set an NHL record by winning six consecutive Game 7s,
a streak that was broken by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 Eastern
Conference final. He set an Olympic record for longest shutout streak (172:34)
between the 2006 and 2010 Games.
Lundqvist, who plays guitar and has been known to play charity events with
tennis legend John McEnroe, was a finalist for the NHL Player Foundation Award
in 2014-15 for his work with the Garden of Dreams Foundation in New York. His
Henrik Lundqvist Foundation strives to create positive change in the lives of
children and adults throughout the world through education and health services.
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