Henrik Lundqvist: Not Sold On Extension With New York Rangers

Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goaltenders in all of hockey, and he’s spent his entire eight-year career in the NHL with the New York Rangers. He currently has one-year left on his contract through next season, but the 2012 Vezina Trophy winner isn’t quite sold on signing an extension with the team just yet.

“I’m gonna talk to my agent, and we’ll see,” Lundqvist told the New York Daily News when asked about the possibility of re-signing before his contract is up. “You know, I had such a great time here in New York. From day one they treated me really well and have given me an opportunity to play a lot of hockey. It’s been a lot of fun. I have one more year on the contract.”

Lundqvist’s comments should be viewed as a warning sign for the Rangers and their fans, as it almost sounds like he’s already on his way out of Madison Square Garden. When Lunqvist says, “I had such a great time here in New York,” he’s almost insinuating this his time with the team is already up.

“I’m just focused on – well, right now, I’m trying to get over this year – but we’ll see. I’ll talk to my agent and take it from there,” he added.

The 31-year-old has become the premier netminder in the NHL since coming to the league in 2005 after four seasons in the Swedish Elite League (SEL) with Frolunda HC. Since joining the Rangers, Lunqvist has been named to the All-Star game three times and has also been named the Rangers’ MVP in six of his eight seasons.

It’s obvious the team would love to have him back, but Henrik Lundqvist ins’t so sure if that’s the best idea for him at this time. All signs are leading to his final season with the Rangers in 2014, and the fact that he’ll be in the final year of his contract will also raise questions of a mid-season trade at the deadline.

Either way, Lundqvist could sign an extension before the season to erase any doubts of his departure from the Rangers.

Do you believe Henrik Lundqvist will sign an extension with the Rangers or will he play out his contract and take his talents elsewhere after the 2014 season?

[Image via Robert Kowal]