Player Discussion Henrik Lundqvist: Part II

[Trxjw]

How many competitors really need a goalie though?

Carolina I guess if you consider them one probably does, Vegas may but they have MAF signed at 7 per for the next 2 seasons, how much do they want to tie up in goalies?

Teams like Edmonton can use the help but would he waive to go there? Toronto is a possibility since it seems like they've soured on Andersen for whatever reason.

Of the top teams, I'm not really seeing a fit. If he wants to continue playing in the NHL, his best bet is probably to settle for a bubble team where he'd be a sure thing to start. Minnesota fits the bill.

Right, but that's kind of the overarching question here: Does Hank just want to play or does he want to try and win a cup? I'm sure he prefers the latter but will he settle for the former? That's obviously going to determine if there's even a market for his services.

The other part of it is how much money are the Rangers willing to take back in a trade, assuming they retain 50%? At some point you're not saving any money at all. So they need to decide whether or not that's important.

 

[Kovalev27]

Brooks on the podcast saying he’s positive he’s gone one way or another.

but if hank seriously thinks he’s a number 1 still (he’s not) where is he supposed to play? On top of all things this is a FLOODED UFA market for goalies.

Lehner Markstrom Holtby Kudohbin Crawford Greiss Talbot Smith just off the top of my head.

who needs a number 1 that isn’t going to take one of those guys ahead of 39 year old hank?

let’s look at this.

East

Boston Tampa Isles Washington Rangers Pens Flyers Carolina Montreal Ottawa Florida Buffalo Columbus Devils all have their goalie under contract or have their goalie of the future ready to play next year. They’re all out.

maybe Toronto Makes a change? But then Andersen is on the market
Detroit? Is he going there?

k let’s look West

Vegas (Fleury and they want to keep lehner)
Winnipeg Colorado Anaheim STL Dallas LA AZ Nashville all have their goalies

leaves

Chicago (most likely keeps Crawford but maybe)
San Jose (Erik Karlsson is there but they are putrid is that worth it? And are their better options to them as we mentioned above?)
Minnesota (already has dubnyk are they going to swap him for hank? Doubtful and they aren’t happy with zucc)
Edmonton (have koskinen but they’re going to want a real #1 hank isn’t that but maybe)
Calgary maybe if they don’t keep talbot or sign someone better)
Canucks are almost certain to keep markstrom like a must so that’s a long shot


So maybe maybe there are 7 or 8 possibilities of those, 3 or 4 are absolute bottom dwellers why would he even bother to embarrass himself like that?

and when you take those out of the equation we go back to the top. There are at least 5 or 6 better long term options available.

so I just don’t see where he lands. It won’t be as a starter and with his ego I just can’t imagine why he’d come back to sit on the bench again.

 

[Kovalev27]

If I had to pick I think San Jose and Edmonton would be his best options.

is he really going to force a buyout to move to the west coast and play for San Jose? They finished with 63 points last year. Good for 3rd worst in the league.

Edmonton again west coast and not California west coast. This is Edmonton. Good team but won’t be the clear cut guy with koskinen there who with his warts is better than hank at this point. Edmonton could be a fit for a much better goalie too.

or do you go to frolunda where it all started with your brother as captain be treated like a god, make more than you probably would in your last year here with escrow factoring in and the season starting soon. Seems like a no brainer.

 

[NYRangers0723]

Like I said it’s easy for me to say “Retire and Play home where you are an even bigger God” because I’m not the one turning down millions of dollars lol. But I honestly think it’s the best think for both sides. We all know Hank is a competitive guy but I don’t think he gets a starting job anywhere else especially with that cap hit. Plus I don’t think he ever wants to put on another jersey in the NHL besides the Rangers

 

[DanielBrassard]

Right, but that's kind of the overarching question here: Does Hank just want to play or does he want to try and win a cup? I'm sure he prefers the latter but will he settle for the former? That's obviously going to determine if there's even a market for his services.

The other part of it is how much money are the Rangers willing to take back in a trade, assuming they retain 50%? At some point you're not saving any money at all. So they need to decide whether or not that's important.

Best option I think is to Minnesota and we end up taking back Dubnyk's contract. Dubnyk sucks but it's still a 50% savings plus perhaps he could be a decent backup if we did trade Geo too. Like you said though does Hank want to play for a team that is not quite in contention status is the important question. If he's against it this whole plan is irrelevant.

 

[NYSPORTS]

Like I said it’s easy for me to say “Retire and Play home where you are an even bigger God” because I’m not the one turning down millions of dollars lol. But I honestly think it’s the best think for both sides. We all know Hank is a competitive guy but I don’t think he gets a starting job anywhere else especially with that cap hit. Plus I don’t think he ever wants to put on another jersey in the NHL besides the Rangers

it is easy for you or any of us to say b/c for all he’s done for the Rangers the Rangers awarded him over $100 million. He should walk away IMO.

 

[Trxjw]

Best option I think is to Minnesota and we end up taking back Dubnyk's contract. Dubnyk sucks but it's still a 50% savings plus perhaps he could be a decent backup if we did trade Geo too. Like you said though does Hank want to play for a team that is not quite in contention status is the important question. If he's against it this whole plan is irrelevant.

I gotta think Minnesota could upgrade on Dubnyk for less than that though. More importantly, it sounds like Guerin might be looking to get Kahkonen a large number of starts next season. So I guess they could send Dubnyk to us and send Stalock elsewhere but I dunno.

To make a trade work, I think you need a team that is contending, is in need of a stabilizing 1B option, and has a contract they can send to us that works out to them adding very little, if any cap to their books. For the Rangers, we do right by Hank which is great but we're not saving any money, probably aren't getting any real value back in the trade, and that's about it. We get to keep Georgiev, sure, but I don't think the Rangers necessarily want to go into next season with Igor and Georgiev above all else.

Some talking head -- I think it was Lebrun -- mentioned the Avs the other day but that's hardly a need for them. Grubauer is fine and Francouz is fine. Hank could potentially be an upgrade for a year but it's really hard to see value for them there.

 

[Kovalev27]

There’s really very little upside in going from Dubnyk to Hank.

they have a kid they want playing nhl games too. He won’t beat that kid out either frankly.

 

[Blueblood2]

Like I said it’s easy for me to say “Retire and Play home where you are an even bigger God” because I’m not the one turning down millions of dollars lol. But I honestly think it’s the best think for both sides. We all know Hank is a competitive guy but I don’t think he gets a starting job anywhere else especially with that cap hit. Plus I don’t think he ever wants to put on another jersey in the NHL besides the Rangers

Have Hank go back to Sweden and tell him when he is done there he can come back as an ambassador for $5M a year and hang out with Gilbert lol.

 

[Thirty One]

Where Do The Maple Leafs Go From Here? | Podcasts - Sportsnet.ca

Friedman talks Lundqvist at about 47:00

Says there's three options:
- Make it work (unlikely)
- Trade him (he's got to ok it)
- Buy him out (would have thought that's the one before, now he's not so sure)

No talk of him walking away. Says he could see him in another NHL jersey.

 

[haohmaru]

Where Do The Maple Leafs Go From Here? | Podcasts - Sportsnet.ca

Friedman talks Lundqvist at about 47:00

Says there's three options:
- Make it work (unlikely)
- Trade him (he's got to ok it)
- Buy him out (would have thought that's the one before, now he's not so sure)

No talk of him walking away. Says he could see him in another NHL jersey.

That's the thing with all of this retirement talk - Lundqvist hasn't given any indication that he's ready to call it a day - nor should he if he feels like he's still got a lot to offer an organization. I think he still can contribute and his 4, or whatever, starts over the last 30ish games aren't really a great indicator of what he's got left. Is he 2012 Lundqvist? Nope. Doesn't mean he's useless, either.

I love the talk about "it's x% of what he's made over his career" etc... The last thing that this is about, to Lundqvist, is money. He knows that if he makes the call now, it's over, and he'll never have the opportunity again. That's what this is about, not $.

 

[broadwayblue]

In the end I think he walks away. I know he wants to compete, but he can't play again until next year practically. Does he really want to play 20 games for us next season as a backup? Seems doubtful. And I just don't see him wanting to play one more year for some random middle of the road team that isn't going to contend just to try to fight off father time.

 

[NYRangers0723]

In the end I think he walks away. I know he wants to compete, but he can't play again until next year practically. Does he really want to play 20 games for us next season as a backup? Seems doubtful. And I just don't see him wanting to play one more year for some random middle of the road team that isn't going to contend just to try to fight off Father Time

.

Agreed

 

[NYSPORTS]

That's the thing with all of this retirement talk - Lundqvist hasn't given any indication that he's ready to call it a day - nor should he if he feels like he's still got a lot to offer an organization. I think he still can contribute and his 4, or whatever, starts over the last 30ish games aren't really a great indicator of what he's got left. Is he 2012 Lundqvist? Nope. Doesn't mean he's useless, either.

I love the talk about "it's x% of what he's made over his career" etc... The last thing that this is about, to Lundqvist, is money. He knows that if he makes the call now, it's over, and he'll never have the opportunity again. That's what this is about, not $.

Hahaha, like Eli Manning, the only thing keeping him in a uniform is the contract b/c he’s shot. Those wearing their hearts on their sleeves are blinded by their love for the guy.

 

[haohmaru]

Hahaha, like Eli Manning, the only thing keeping him in a uniform is the contract b/c he’s shot. Those wearing their hearts on their sleeves are blinded by their love for the guy.

2020 Playoffs:

Shesterkin, .900 Save %
Lundqvist, .901 Save %

"Shot"

Shesterkin is the guy, no question in my mind, that the NYR have to move forward with but pretending that Lundqvist has no value is just as foolish as those that thought Girardi had nothing left and should be bought out/retire immediately. TB knew that Girardi still provided value as a 3rd pair reliable RD for a couple of years. The Rangers should've bought out Staal and used Girardi properly. We're still paying for it now with Staal taking a shift every 90 seconds. Lundqvist still has value as well, just not to his contract. Just like Girardi.

No "blind love" here at all. Just truth.

 

[NYSPORTS]

2020 Playoffs:

Shesterkin, .900 Save %
Lundqvist, .901 Save %

"Shot"

Shesterkin is the guy, no question in my mind, that the NYR have to move forward with but pretending that Lundqvist has no value is just as foolish as those that thought Girardi had nothing left and should be bought out/retire immediately. TB knew that Girardi still provided value as a 3rd pair reliable RD for a couple of years. The Rangers should've bought out Staal and used Girardi properly. We're still paying for it now with Staal taking a shift every 90 seconds. Lundqvist still has value as well, just not to his contract. Just like Girardi.

No "blind love" here at all. Just truth.

you’re actually endorsing a save percentage when Hank let in two softies to begin both games he started? Really? How about Eli Manning’s worthless 4th qtr stats over the past two years of his career when the opponents played nickle and he dumped the ball off non-stop too.

Hank is DONE. You’ll see how everybody backs off if he’s on the market and/or how little his services command.

 

[Crease]

I actually think Hank would prefer 20-25 more starts with the Rangers (mostly at the Garden in front of fans), than to fight for (and potentially lose) the starting job in another city he has no emotional attachment to. Is he going to lift his kids out of school for a year or live in a hotel away from them? He saw how it ended for Brodeur. No fanfare or closure. I could easily see him coming back for a goodbye tour.

 

[NYSPORTS]

I actually think Hank would prefer 20-25 more starts with the Rangers (mostly at the Garden in front of fans), than to fight for (and potentially lose) the starting job in another city he has no emotional attachment to. Is he going to lift his kids out of school for a year or live in a hotel away from them? He saw how it ended for Brodeur. No fanfare or closure. I could easily see him coming back for a goodbye tour.

Hank would prefer to suit up until he’s 50.

a goodbye tour? I’ll never understand this generations need for sentimental journeys. It’s as if people have never worked a job and seen veterans leave. I guess they watched Jeter so figure that makes sense for everybody.

The Rangers awarded Hank a seat on the bench even though the kids who would be starting the following games did ‘t dress and awarded him two playoff starts. JD had to sit down for a 2nd time. Rather than drop the hint, Hank was told we’re not going with three goalies next season.

 

[Rangers394]

I'd be very surprised to see Hank in any other jersey but ours if he stays

 

[JC704]

Hank has 1 year left. IMO, find a way to shed 1 of Staal/Smith, and let Hank decide what he wants after next season.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

2020 Playoffs:

Shesterkin, .900 Save %
Lundqvist, .901 Save %

"Shot"

Shesterkin is the guy, no question in my mind, that the NYR have to move forward with but pretending that Lundqvist has no value is just as foolish as those that thought Girardi had nothing left and should be bought out/retire immediately. TB knew that Girardi still provided value as a 3rd pair reliable RD for a couple of years. The Rangers should've bought out Staal and used Girardi properly. We're still paying for it now with Staal taking a shift every 90 seconds. Lundqvist still has value as well, just not to his contract. Just like Girardi.

No "blind love" here at all. Just truth.

A whole 2 game and 1 game sample size. Are you for real?

 

[Siddi]

A whole 2 game and 1 game sample size. Are you for real?

No more ridiculous than anointing Shesty the next goalie jesus after a 12 game sample size where he let in 3+ goals in 50% of his games.

 

[wolfgaze]

I do appreciate what Lundqvist has done for this organization coming out of the dark years of the late 90's and early 2000's... I would put him right there with Brian Leetch in terms of the value he has contributed to the organization and the long term impact he has had... Graves too (if you combine his contributions both on and OFF the ice)

However I don't feel bad for him regarding the present day circumstances... Because I ask myself, which of the two negotiating parties would have been demanding a 7 year contract extension, keeping him under contract until the age of 39 years old? Emphasis on the '7 years' part...

Certainly not the Rangers/Sather, right? So the fact that the Rangers would have other young goaltenders in the works and be ready/prepared to give significant playing time to those goaltenders at some point approaching the very end of Henke's contract - no one (including Henke) could ever hold that against the Rangers and fault them for doing this and making the best decision for the long term health of the organization... No team can give a goalie a 7 year contract extension taking him to the age of 39 and promise him that he'll remain your #1 that entire time... It comes with the territory that if you (as a player) ask for a contract extension that long and which takes you to such a late playing age - that you run the significant risk of losing your starting role or playing time both due to diminished play and due to the level of play from younger players competing for the same job/role. And you run the risk of a buyout...

Throughout much of his career we repeatedly heard about Henke's competitiveness and I just can't imagine that he would agree to participate in another season of limiting playing time and where it's clear to everyone looking on that Igor is poised/ready to take over the primary workload (and that it's what's best for the organization moving forward)

I also can't imagine any teams could have scouted Lundqvist and his level of play/performance the past couple seasons and come away with any serious interest in acquiring him as a 1-year rental for this upcoming season...

I'd agree a buyout is the most likely outcome here... But I also wouldn't be surprised to learn that Henke chose to retire... I do wonder what would happen if the Rangers 'bluffed' a bit and indicated they were prepared to play him in a backup role next season (avoiding any buyout cap penalties extending into future seasons) and then see what the response is from his camp... Whatever happens I do hope that it would be amicable, and everyone will be/remain on good terms...

In no way do I feel that a buyout would diminish or even negatively impact Lundqvist's reputation and legacy with the organization... No one (including Henke) could have predicted his condition/status 7 years out, and this is just how reality works/unfolds... It shouldn't reflect negatively on him and it my eyes it simply doesn't...

I do wish that he could choose to retire and then get hired as the Assistant Goaltending Coach behind Benoit Allaire and the Rangers would offer him a 1 year salary of $3 mil... But I don't think the league would allow that haha...

 

[haohmaru]

you’re actually endorsing a save percentage when Hank let in two softies to begin both games he started? Really? How about Eli Manning’s worthless 4th qtr stats over the past two years of his career when the opponents played nickle and he dumped the ball off non-stop too.

Hank is DONE. You’ll see how everybody backs off if he’s on the market and/or how little his services command.

Endorsing what? The numbers are what the numbers are. Of course, the context is being distorted to suit your narrative as you're conveniently forgetting that the Rangers played their best game of the series in the 3rd game. It really doesn't matter. You're not going to win a whole lot of playoff series scoring 4 goals in three games.

And you're actually comparing Eli's 4th quarter stats to playoff games? Okay. Not sure what that has to do with ANYTHING at all, but okay.

And, just to be clear, he might not go anywhere and his career just might be over. He's not getting traded with the cap the way it is and his cap hit being what it is. The only way he stays in the NHL, IMHO, is as the Rangers back up. Not sure that's in the Rangers plans.

 

[NYRFANMANI]

I can see a team taking Hank at 50%, I can't see Hank waiving though.