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How the New York Rangers should resolve the three-headed goalie monster

By Alex Csedrik

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 13: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers tends net against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2020 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Islanders 6-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 13: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers tends net against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2020 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Islanders 6-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 25: Henrik Lundqvist #30 and Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the New York Rangers head off the ice after the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2019 in New York City. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-2. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers part ways—but how?

Let’s be very clear: Henrik Lundqvist is easily a top-five Ranger of all time. His 459 career win and 64 shutout totals are all-time franchise leads by sizable margins.

If anyone deserves to choose their fate, it’s Lundqvist. He’s a special player, and with special players you make exceptions. When Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees was playing his last few seasons, his range at shortstop had decreased tremendously. However, he was the New York Yankees for so long, you forgave it. You understood it slightly set back the team in the short term, but you had to honor all he did throughout the long term.

Lundqvist is no different. He’s still a capable NHL goaltender, but he’s not the same player he once was. However, if he wants to remain a lifelong New York Ranger, he’s earned that.

Unfortunately, it may no longer be in the cards. With only four starts in 2020, he’s no longer seeing much action. When he has—with the exception of the shutout against the Detroit Red Wings—he hasn’t been sharp. His three starts against the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars all saw him with a save percentage of less than .870.

So, Lundqvist obviously sees his career is at a crossroads. He may choose to retire at the end of this year. Or he may be willing to waive his no-movement clause to chase a Cup.

The Rangers also have an option: They can buy out his contract. (They shouldn’t. This would create more dead cap space in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.)

Lundqvist’s future plans most likely will be revealed over the next few days. Ideally, he will either agree to a trade or retire at the end of this season.

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