So putting aside for a moment that Lundqvist is owed a large sum of money and that's not something to easily walk away from, I will admit that it is kind of a bummer to buy him out and potentially see him play for another team.
On the buyout side of things (again putting aside the fact that a deal is a deal and it's his money), it is sad if we can use that money for something that actually benefits this team on the ice next year. In many ways it reminds of the saying about it being better to get rid of a player a year too early rather than a year too late. In an ideal world, Lundqvist's contact ends in 2019 or 2020, and not 2021. Again, nothing we can do about that, but just freestyling some thoughts.
On the topic of playing for another team, it just feels like such a waste. I know, I know, athletes seldom gives us the happy endings we hope for. The same competitive nature that drives them to be the best often drives them to play beyond the amicable, happy ending that everyone else prefers.
But it's hard not to be enamored by the idea of Lundkvist hanging on for what is likely one or two years, either as a marginal starter for a poor team, or backup for a decent team, only to see a marginal uptick in results and an epilogue that no one fondly remembers.
Again, it's his right and his call. But I'd by lying if I didn't say these were my honest thoughts.
