Henrik Lundqvist announces retirement, next stop Hockey Hall of Fame (rangers)

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Henrik Lundqvist announces retirement, next stop Hockey Hall of Fame

By Jan Levine

Aug 20, 2021 • 11:27 am

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Henrik Lundqvist officially announced his retirement today. After missing all of last season due to heart inflammation, Lundqvist was attempting to come back, but decided to retire as it could be another full year before he would be 100 percent. The next stop for Lundqvist in his brilliant career is the Hockey Hall of Fame, where he should get in on the first ballot. Prior to that, maybe a jersey retirement by the Blueshirts. (updated 10:45 am - jersey to be raised to the rafters this year)

For all those naysayers who say Lundqvist was't elite because he never won a Cup, besides looking at the traditional numbers, please look at his advanced metrics. He was by far and away brilliant and the reason why the Rangers stayed in as many games as they did. In addition, Lundqvist was the driver to the team making three Eastern Conference Finals and one Stanley Final from 2012-2015.

If you need further evidence of his brilliance and status as a big money goalie:

Lundqvist played in eight Game 7s, going 6-2 with a 1.11 GAA and .961 save percentage, never allowing more than two goals in any of those showdown matches. He and the Rangers went an astonishing 15-4 in elimination games from 2012 through 2015.

The Save:

A few goal robberies by Lundqvist:

in terms of what's next Lundqvist, and if that means a return to the Rangers as an ambassador or other role, he covered that in his interview with Larry Brooks. Some hard feelings may still exist from his buyout, though that wasn't evident in the interview. But as a proud, elite athlete, it would be shocking if he still feels slighted, so it will be up to James Dolan etc. to smooth over any ruffled feeling. I would have loved it if Lundqvist signed a one-day contract to retire as a Ranger, but as he never officially played for Washington, he does finish his career as only having donned the red, white and blue of the Blueshirts.

The Lundqvists are returning to New York shortly as their two daughters, 9-year-old Juli and 6-year-old Charlise, start the school year. This is home.

“It feels almost like normal,… said the King, who will turn 40 next March 2. “And now I’m going to start living a normal life, so to speak, in New York. I’m excited for the next chapter.…

The next chapter may or may not be hockey-related. “I have a few ideas, both inside and outside of hockey,… he said. “I love the game and always will, so when it’s time, I’ll see if there might be something where I can be involved with that.…

But this does not mean Lundqvist will immediately rejoin the Rangers organization that will surely host a retirement celebration at the Garden for No. 30 this season or next.

“I know I am going to reconnect with Jim at some point,… Lundqvist said of executive chairman and CEO Jim Dolan. “If I’m involved at some point with the Rangers, it would be beautiful in my mind. But I don’t know if now is the time."

Fare thee well, Hank. Thank you from all of us for your brilliant performances and wearing the team colors with pride. In addition to being an amazing representative of the NHL and especially, New York City.

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