Rangers to buy out Hank

[Axeman33]

Very depressing way to finish off your career with NYR. I bet he really wanted to go out on his own terms.

Sad part is, I honestly believe the Rangers management wanted that too but their hand was forced.

[tweetdrivr]

Very depressing way to finish off your career with NYR. I bet he really wanted to go out on his own terms.

It would appear his terms were to stay with the team and play/be on the books another year. Those were the only terms management couldn’t get behind. It is a bummer for sure.

[Pengwin7]

What a career as a Ranger!
I always hate when long-time players on one team have a tack-on year with another team (Modano, Tom Brady, Jordan).
But... you can't wish against a player who still has desire to "play".

Best wishes for Henrik going forward.
Hopefully he finds a great lockerroom to join if he still has a desire to play in the NHL.

[SeaDawg]

I suppose its better than what happened to Brian Leetch

remind me what happened with Leetch?

[2014olympicgold]

remind me what happened (after 17? seasons with the Rangers) with Leetch?

Traded at the 2003-2004 trade deadline to the Leafs, 2004-05 season was the final yr of his deal, except that was the NHL lockout. He then signed a 1yr deal with the Bruins for the 2005-06 season, and retired after that.

[SeaDawg]

Traded at the 2003-2004 trade deadline to the Leafs, 2004-05 season was the final yr of his deal, except that was the NHL lockout. He then signed a 1yr deal with the Bruins for the 2005-06 season, and retired after that.

ah...ok. I thought there was more to the story when he said "its better than what happened to Brian Leetch."

[2014olympicgold]

ah...ok. I thought there was more to the story when he said "its better than what happened to Brian Leetch."

That's just my knowledge on the subject. I was like 13 when it happened with little knowledge of social side of the NHL yet lol.

I think he was traded on his bday too.

[Axeman33]

FYI, it's now official.

https://twitter.com/NYRangers/status...04819446034432

OFFICIAL: Rangers announce that the team has bought out the final year of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s contract.

[kevinsrangers]

kinda hoped he retired and took a management job with the Rangers. The only good scenario if he leaves would be winning the cup.
best wishes to one of the all-time best goalies.

[2014olympicgold]

Well, time for the numbers side of it.

2020-21 cap hit - 5.5mill
2021-22 cap hit - 1.5mill

Rangers save 3mill this yr. They have 15% of their cap space in 2020-21 tied up in buyouts. Just under 13mill.

[The Comish]

Unless Lundqvist has stated he intends to play next season in the NHL, I feel like he could simply finish out his playing days in the SEL rather than play second fiddle on a team other than the Rangers. He's an absolute legend with the Frolunda team - not sure what their goaltending situation looks like though.

[chuckcouples]

This move is going to hurt the Rangers in the long run. Management is so short-sighted. No one is going to sign a long term deal to play at MSG f they can just jettison their heart and soul superstar after 15 years of dedicated service to the franchise. Is that worth a few extra million in cap room this season for a rebuilding team? I don't think so.

[hockeyrobot]

They had some fun teams back in the day. It would have been great to see him win one. I hope he can land as a backup somewhere and get that ring but I don't see it happening.

[Axeman33]

This move is going to hurt the Rangers in the long run. Management is so short-sighted. No one is going to sign a long term deal to play at MSG f they can just jettison their heart and soul superstar after 15 years of dedicated service to the franchise. Is that worth a few extra million in cap room this season for a rebuilding team? I don't think so.

Sorry mate but I have to disagree. I think you'll find that this wont hurt them at all, especially once they start winning with that good, young core. It's not like this is the first time a "legend" has been discarded (be it traded/bought out, etc) in the NHL and you don't hear of people not willing to sign with those teams because of that. Maybe it happens that we don't hear about, but I dont think you can find one example where this is the case. These things seem to get forgetten pretty quick, especially if the team starts winning.

[The Comish]

This move is going to hurt the Rangers in the long run. Management is so short-sighted. No one is going to sign a long term deal to play at MSG f they can just jettison their heart and soul superstar after 15 years of dedicated service to the franchise. Is that worth a few extra million in cap room this season for a rebuilding team? I don't think so.

Sorry mate but I have to disagree. I think you'll find that this wont hurt them at all, especially once they start winning with that good, young core. It's not like this is the first time a "legend" has been discarded (be it traded/bought out, etc) in the NHL and you don't hear of people not willing to sign with those teams because of that. Maybe it happens that we don't hear about, but I don't think you can find one example where this is the case. These things seem to get forgotten pretty quick, especially if the team starts winning.

I think this hurts the fans (and Lundqvist!) more than anyone else. This is the right move from a business perspective.