According to reports the Washington Capitals have announced they have signed goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million
If, as expected, the one-year deal is $1.5M, it would be fitting. That would make Lundqvist “whole” on $4.5M salary he was scheduled to get for 20-21. $3M of it would be in his buyout from the Rangers (paid out over two years) but $1.5M would top him back up to $4.5M total.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 9, 2020
Henrik Lundqvist Signs With Washington
It was an end of an era when the New York Rangers bought out Henrik Lundqvist a little over a week ago. Lundqvist spent 15 seasons with the Rangers after being drafted 205 overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. “King Henrik” as he was known as was the face of the franchise for so long and. Lundqvist is the sixth winningest goaltender in NHL history with a 459-310-96 record. For his career, he appeared in 887 games starting 871 games with a 2.43 goals-against-average and a .918 save percentage. In addition, he has 64 career shutouts along with 61 shutouts in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy in the 2011-12 season as he took the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final. That season Lundqvist went 39-18-5 with a .930 save percentage and a ridiculous 1.97 goals-against-average. He appeared in the Stanley Cup Final once in 2014 with the Rangers.
Going Forward
This is a great signing for the Capitals. Lundqvist is still capable of being a backup goaltender in the league. Though his numbers dipped this past season with the Rangers, he still wants to play and will have something to prove. Especially on a short-term deal. The Capitals have a young goaltender in Ilya Samsonov, as they move on from Braden Holtby. Samsonov is the starting goaltender, but this will be his first full season at that position. Bringing in a backup like Lundqvist will help this kid’s development. Not to mention, help him understand what it takes to be a starting goalie night in and night out. Plus Lundqvist knows he will be the backup but could see a lot of action especially if the schedule is condensed next season.
Lundqvist is also going to a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The Capitals are still one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Lundqvist knows his role with the Capitals.
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