Henrick Lundqvist was one of the most consistent members of the New York Rangers this season. He remained the best dynamic during the team's playoff run, despite the team getting eliminated a series before reaching the Eastern Conference finals. As the offseason has now arrived for the Rangers, Lundqvist must decide what his future looks like, something he is on the fence about.
As the Rangers gave their closing arguments about the 2012 season, it is only natural that Lundqvist was asked about his future in New York. As the 31-year old goaltender enters into the final year of his six-year, $41.25 million contract, he will be eligible for free agency in 2014. Would he be willing to negotiate an extension with the team? Lundqvist did not exactly jump at the opportunity.
"I'm gonna talk to my agent, and we'll see. You know, I had such a great time here in New York. From day one they treated me really well and have given me an opportunity to play a lot of hockey. It's been a lot of run. I have one more year on the contract. I'm just focused on-well, right now, I'm trying to get over this year-but we'll see. I'll talk to my agent and take it from there," Lundqvist said.
Spoken like a man that is looking to leave. Lundqvist wants to win, plain and simple. At his age, he is looking to get a championship and then call it a career. The question remains if he sees the Rangers as his best chance at doing so. Lundqvist notes that while it was a fun year, it was not good enough.
The Rangers roster is in limbo at the moment and the movement of several players could determine whether Lundqvist stays. The team is currently considering buying out the contract of Brad Richards and they have several trade pieces with both Rick Nash and Maraian Gaborik. The Rangers have only finished in third place or higher twice since 2005. They have only advanced past the semifinals of the playoffs once since that time. That history will play into Lundqvist's decision.
Along with several players sitting in limbo over their future in New York, there could also be a change at head coach. John Tortorella is reaching the end of his contract time with the Rangers and could be on the way out too. Lundqvist has some leverage with the Rangers considering his solid production on the ice. He will likely let his agent determine if there is a better landing spot for him before ultimately making the jump from the Rangers.
