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Lundqvist opens up in interview with Swedish newspaper |
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Henrik Lundqvist held nothing back in an interview with Johan Rylander of GP-Sporten.
Forever Blueshirts did an excellent job speaking with Rylander to obtain context and clarity to the translation from the original interview. In the original conversation and additional information provided by Rylander, Lundqvist makes clear that he does not feel like he is done and plans on playing next year. The quotes below are from Forever Blueshirts' discussion with Rylander, link above, with my below underneath each section.
Lundqvist on his current status as the third netminder in New York
“Were you surprised the Rangers made you the third keeper?” Rylander asked. “What am I supposed to say about that? I had a picture of how the season would develop, what I had in mind,” Lundqvist replied. “When things turned out the way they did, I was surprised. But at the same time, part of me understands the situation.” Lundqvist then explained the Rangers rebuild and his role in it. “I’m not blind. They’re thinking ahead. There are many pieces that go into building a team right now, but also for the future. You’re going to have to widen the view a little. But it wasn’t like I projected my own plan for sure.”
Rylander follow up was direct: “A f***ing disappointment, then?“ Lundqvist's response was honest, “Obviously it is disappointing to not play as much as you want. That’s where the disappointment is. It’s more … not on them (the Rangers), but more that it became as it became. And if I not had been disappointed, then I sell myself short. I want to play, to deliver at a high level. If I don’t, I will be disappointed.”
“The day you’re not disappointed you may as well quit,” Rylander, keeping with the tone of the discussion. “Exactly!” Hank answered. “What do I do there? I have to fight – if I want to go back and have that place in the net.”
Lundqvist is a proud athlete. This has been the case since Day 1 in New York. Expecting him to bow out without a fight means that you don't know what makes him or elite athletes tick. But he also recognizes the writing on the wall and how sports/life in general work.
His comment of "it became as it became" shows me that Lundqvist understands that his decline, presence of Alexandar Georgiev and the ascension of Igor Shesterkin resulted in the switch in net. Earlier in the season, Lundqvist played well, but you could see a change in reaction time, which is what made him elite, drop off as the year wore on.
Buyout possibility:
Rylander asked Lundqvist about the possibility of a buyout after the season. “It’s not in my mind right now, “ was his reply. “The focus is training and this summer. Now we go for it right here. I can sense that I have it in me – to go another few years over there in the NHL. I’m sure about it!”
“Then the question is: In what situation will it be?” Lundqvist alluding to his potential future role with the Blueshirts or elsewhere. “That things become as it always has been? No, it doesn’t work that way. I must be set that change eventually comes by time.”
Lundqvist's response is a pretty good indication that if the Rangers opt to buy him out, his time in the NHL may not be finished. Hank was and is always willing to put in the work to maintain his edge and level of play. But age - and adverse impact on reflexes - catches up to everyone eventually. I would love for him to be a Ranger for his whole career, but the salary cap, coupled with his play and presence of the heir to the throne makes that possibility remote.
The Future:
Rylander asked Lundqvist about the eventual end to his career. “It’s clear that I’m thinking about how much I love hockey and how long I think I can continue, or even want to continue. I also realized that I can’t look that far ahead.” Lundqvist then finished his interview by leaving a question of his own. “Now we are ready to run this summer and this season. I also know that in November and December last year, when I was at my best, I played as well as I did several years before. It was incredibly fun. If I can I find a situation where I play and deliver like that – why not continue?”
The time off due to the pandemic enabled all players, young and old, to evaluate their future. Lundqvist clearly used that gap in action, similar to an off-season, to dig down deep in his heart and see where he is at professionally and personally. A good test for Henrik will come when camps open. If he is back to where he was in November and December, coach David Quinn could possibly go with him in net, thanks to his fine mark against Carolina. If any bobbles show, Shesterkin will be between the pipes and Lundqvist could have second thoughts about continuing his career, Regardless of what happens, #30 will be raised to the rafters.
Day, placed on unconditional waivers the day before, cleared waivers Sunday. Granted exceptional status in juniors, Day career didn't pan out according to expectations. Taken in the third round of 2016, from all accounts, Day was unwilling to put in the work to maximize his talent, resulting in his Rangers' career stalling at Hartford and him landing in the ECHL for a period. New York could potentially use his spot to sign Nico Gross, selected in the fourth round, #101 Overall in 2018, who needs to inked by tomorrow, June 1, or he will become a free agent.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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