NHL Free Agency: 5 teams who should sign Henrik Lundqvist
Henrik Lundqvist is hitting NHL free agency for the first time in his career. Here are the five best fits for him.
For the first time in his future Hall of Fame career, Henrik Lundqvist is a free agent. He will be bought out shortly by the New York Rangers, potentially as soon as Wednesday, Sept. 30. Though this was expected, it’s still odd to see the winningest European goaltender in NHL history hit NHL free agency.
Lundqvist’s next game, should he continue to play, will be his first without a New York Rangers sweater adorning his chest. Though he’s no longer the elite goaltender he used to be, he still has gas in the tank and can still serve as a valuable backup goalie.
Because the Rangers are paying him a fair amount of money, Lundqvist will likely be willing to take a discount to continue playing. This means his list of suitors could be quite long. However, one has to think Lundqvist will reach out to teams he’s interested in instead of the other way around.
Of course, he might just decide to retire. His body has a lot of mileage on it, as he’s played the eighth-most regular season games (887) of any goaltender in NHL history. Additionally, Lundqvist’s 130 postseason games are the 10th most in NHL history. Combined, he’s played in over 1,000 games.
But should Lundqvist decide to continue playing and chase the Stanley Cup that has been just beyond his reach for his entire career, here are the five best fits for him.
5. Washington Capitals
Rangers fans would hate to see King Henrik wearing a Washington Capitals sweater. But it would make a ton of sense for Lundqvist to sign with them. They are reportedly looking to add a veteran goaltender to serve as Ilya Samsonov’s backup.
If the Capitals want Samsonov to pick someone’s brain, who better than Lundqvist, who carries himself like a quintessential professional both on and off the ice? Lundqvist could give the Capitals about 30 starts in an 82 game season and help Samsonov make the never easy transition from backup goalie to starting goalie.
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Much like the Capitals, the Vegas Golden Knights would probably like to add a veteran goaltender. Whether or not they keep Marc-Andre Fleury, unless they keep both Fleury and Robin Lehner, they’ll need to add a backup goalie. Oscar Dansk is a mighty fine AHL goalie, but he probably shouldn’t be the backup.
If Lundqvist keeps playing, he’ll probably want to play for a Stanley Cup contender. After all, a Stanley Cup would be the cherry on top of his already glorious career. It would cement his spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame (though even if he doesn’t win one, he’s still getting in). Vegas has made two Western Conference Final appearances in their first three seasons, so they probably count as a Stanley Cup contender.
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Also, playing in Vegas could be tempting for Lundqvist. Nevada is a tax-friendly state, which means Lundqvist could keep more of his income. He’s used to hanging out in New York, where there’s always stuff going on. Vegas isn’t too different in that regard.
The Golden Knights are going to want a cheap backup goalie if they don’t decide to keep both Fleury and Lehner. If Lundqvist is willing to take no more than $1 million as his salary, don’t be surprised if he winds up playing in Sin City.
3. Calgary Flames
For the second offseason in as many years, the Calgary Flames are probably going to be looking to sign a goalie. Last year, they signed former Edmonton Oilers goaltender (and former Lundqvist teammate with the Rangers) Cam Talbot. Talbot wound up being a pleasant surprise, serving as a very capable backup for David Rittich.
Talbot is a free agent. And though the Flames would like to bring him back, Talbot might be more interested in looking for a bigger pay day. If that’s the case, the Flames should kick the tires on Lundqvist.
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Rittich is a talented goalie, but has yet to live up to his full potential. Lundqvist knows what it takes to stick in the NHL and be a starting goalie. He could help Rittich take the next step in his development. Lundqvist has always been known as a wonderful teammate, so that’s a role he might be interested in.
The Flames probably want to add a cheaper goalie and Lundqvist would make sense for that reason as well. Remember, he’ll be getting paid over $2 million by the Rangers this year after being bought out. This could encourage Lundqvist to take a discount. Lundqvist shouldn’t be the Flames number one option, but even in a loaded goalie market, he’s one of the better goalies available.
2. Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before losing to the New York Islanders in seven games. They have a bright and promising future, thanks in large part to Carter Hart. In his first full season as a starting goalie, Hart was impressive with a .914% save percentage in 43 games (40 starts).
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Hart split the duties with Brian Elliott, who played in 31 games (27 starts). While Hart is probably ready to take a larger share of the workload next season, Elliott’s an unrestricted free agent. The Flyers would like to bring him back, but if they elect not to, they’ll likely turn to the loaded goaltender market.
Among the veteran backup options, Lundqvist is probably the most intriguing. First of all, how hilarious would it be to see him in a Flyers sweater? It would be like seeing Joe Montana in a Kansas City Chiefs sweater.
But seriously, Lundqvist would give the Flyers a very reliable backup. And likely a cheap one as well. Hart is an outstanding young goalie, but he needs to take his game to the next level to be a franchise goalie.
Lundqvist understands the devotion required to be a franchise goalie. He could help Hart understand the little things that will help him develop from a great young goalie into a franchise goalie.
1. Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers need to find a capable backup goalie who can give them at least 30 starts. Mike Smith certainly wasn’t the answer. Mikko Koskinen is best if he’s used in a tandem where he’s probably starting about 50 games. 55 at most.
Lundqvist would be a very affordable option for the Oilers. He’d join a very talented team. Playing behind two Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winners in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid could be very appealing for Lundqvist.
Granted, there will be some better options out there. Anton Khudboin might be available. They might even bring back their old pal Cam Talbot. But with various teams needing goalies, the goalie market could move quite quickly. The Oilers and Lundqvist could wind up needing each other.
Edmonton will probably need a cheap goalie. They’ve got to upgrade their middle six forwards and likely their defense as well. This won’t leave much to find a backup goalie. Lundqvist will likely be willing to take a discount if it makes playing for a Stanley Cup contender. With the right moves this offseason, the Oilers could be Stanley Cup contenders next season.
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The Oilers would have to convince King Henrik they’re Stanley Cup contenders. If they can do that, the Oilers and Lundqvist could be a match made in heaven.