By Lenn Robbins
None of us have the right to ask our favorite athletes to stay with one team forever and in the case of Henrik Lundqvist we won’t.
Lundqvist’s contract has been bought out by the Rangers according hockey writer extraordinaire Larry Brooks of The Post. Wednesday he’ll become a free agent, free to sign with any team that is looking for a veteran backup goalie who made himself the King of New York with his brilliant goaltending, unparalleled professionalism and tenacious competitiveness.
To see him in another sweater would sting but if the 38-year-old Lundqvist can make one last run or two at having his name etched on the Stanley Cup, we wish him Godspeed.
Seeing the joy on former Rangers Ryan Callahan’s face and Kevin Shattenkirk’s face as they raised the Cup Monday night after they helped the Tampa Bay Lightning claim their second championship makes this a no-brainer. Lundqvist, the sixth winningest goalie in league history, is as deserving of being called a champion as anyone in the history of the NHL.
The question of whether or not Lundqvist is the greatest goalie in Rangers history is up for debate among some for only one reason – he’s never won a Stanley Cup. He is the franchise record holder in wins (459) shutouts (64) postseason wins (61). He led the Rangers to three Eastern Conference Finals and one Stanley Cup.
He’s one of those unique athletes who you truly believe wants to win it all as much for his team as for himself. If No.30 can go help another team hoist the Cup and Lundqvist can get his named etched on it for perpetuity than ever Rangers fan should hope that opportunity comes along.
06/01/14 New York Rangers practice at greenburgh ny New York Rangers practice for the Stanley Cup Finals New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist #30 at practice today Neil Miller The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com copyright 2020 
05/12/12 Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semi finals game #7 Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers at msg : New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist #30 raises his stick to the crowd after the Rangers defeated the Capitals 2-1. Neil Miller The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com copyright 2020 
04/20/08 rangers practice at mgs facility greenburgh ny stve valliquette left sean avery center and henrik lundqvist at practice today Neil Miller The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com copyright 2020 
03/30/09 New Jersey Devils Vs. New York Rangers @ MSG Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist waves to the crowd at the end of the game. Neil miller The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com copyrihgt 2020
Categories: Hockey