Lundqvist clarifies future with Rangers: We're 'on the same page'
The clock is ticking on the career of legendary New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, and though he hopes to remain a Blueshirt, he isn't sure if the Big Apple will be the site of his swan song.
"I don't know if I'll stay with the Rangers my entire career," Lundqvist told Swedish outlet Expressen, according to NHL.com's Jon Lane. "I have two years left on my deal and it has always been my goal to stay with the Rangers, but once you get up there in age you never know. I know what I want, but if the club has other ideas I know I'll have to listen. You can't just do your own thing.
"Sometimes the dream might not work out in the end ... we'll see what happens. Right now all my focus is on the upcoming World Championships."
Lundqvist felt the need to expand on his sentiments after they caused a stir.
"I'd like to clarify my statement because I feel it caused some unnecessary speculation," Lundqvist said via email, according to the New York Post's Larry Brooks. "My thinking hasn't changed. The organization and I are on the same page.
"What I meant is that a player never becomes bigger or more important than an organization. While it is still my goal to win the Cup in New York before I retire, at the same time I understand as a player that I have to respect the position we are in and process we are going through."
The 37-year-old Lundqvist is signed through the 2020-21 season at an $8.5-million cap hit. He has a full no-movement clause, so he would dictate any potential trade.
A Stanley Cup is the only achievement missing from his Hall-of-Fame resume that includes a Vezina Trophy and an Olympic gold medal. Time is running out for Lundqvist to capture the NHL's ultimate prize, especially with the Rangers in a clear rebuilding stage.
"The season started good," Lundqvist said to Expressen. "I came in and had a lot of energy. I haven't felt as good in years, physically, mentally, and in terms of technique. I was incredibly pleased with my first month of the season. After that, it turned out to be a lot harder than I thought.
"We lost a lot and it really took its toll on me mentally. Very much a challenge. I've always played to win and every year with the Rangers I've felt like we've had a shot at winning the Cup. But not this season. It was a very strange situation to be in."
Lundqvist's .907 save percentage (the league average was .910) and 3.07 goals-against average this past season were both career lows as the Rangers missed the playoffs for a second straight year.
Rangers ownership executive James Dolan said the club gave Lundqvist the option to be moved prior to the 2018 trade deadline, but King Henrik declined the offer.
If Lundqvist does decide he wants to move on, the Rangers should still be well-equipped between the pipes. Backup Alexandar Georgiev, 23, showed flashes of potential with a .914 save percentage in 33 games. The club also recently signed 2014 fourth-round pick Igor Shesterkin from the KHL after a historic tenure with SKA St. Petersburg.