The New York Rangers are rumored to be sellers this year, for Henrik Lundqvist that doesn’t change anything.
The New York Rangers‘ return from the All-Star Break was not a good one. They are one step closer to selling, but for Henrik Lundqvist, that doesn’t change where he wants to be.
Lundqvist made it clear in an interview with Larry Brooks of the New York Post where he envisions himself playing.
“I made a commitment to this organization a few years back. It was a big decision in my career. I want to play for one organization. This one. I love it here. I want to be here and battle through the ups and downs, the good and the bad. It’s important to me.”
With the Rangers struggling this season, the rumor of potentially being sellers has left the future of Lundqvist up in the air. He signed a seven-year $59.5 million contract extension in the 2013-14 season. That extension included a no-movement clause which is one reason why his future was up in the air.
There were questions whether or not the 35-year-old netminder would want to endure another year without a championship. However, that is not the case as he wants to stay in the only place in hockey he’s ever known—win or lose.
“The competitor in me wants us to have the best team possible right here and now. I’m not hoping we have a contending team in two or three years,” Lundqvist told Brooks. “But at the same time, even though it’s hard to say because it kind of goes against myself, I feel so much for this organization, that whatever path they take, I’m in. … with the feelings I have for this organization, I have a commitment to stay here and battle, and that means in the good times and bad.”
The Rangers drafted Lundqvist in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft. Since then, he became the franchise leader in wins, shutouts, saves, and save percentage. He has done everything you could possibly do except one thing, win it all.
If there have been any positives this season for the Rangers, it has to be the performance of Lundqvist. His play this season has brought back memories of the Lundqvist’s Vezina Trophy-winning season in 2011-12. He was named to his fourth All-Star Game this season, his first appearance since 2012.
So far, Lundqvist is 21-14-4 with a 2.69 goals-against-average and a .919 save percentage. Since the start of November, he has posted a .926 save percentage.