Lundqvist has contract bought out by Rangers

Henrik Lundqvist had the final season of his seven-year contract bought out by the New York Rangers on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old goalie agreed to the $59.5 million contract extension ($8.5 million average annual value) with the Rangers on Dec. 4, 2013.
Lundqvist is 459-310-96 with a 2.43 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage and 64 shutouts in 887 NHL games over 15 seasons, all with New York, and 61-67 with a 2.30 GAA, a .921 save percentage and 10 shutouts in the postseason.
"THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!," Lundqvist posted on social media. "15 years ago, I played my first game for @NYRangers I came here with high hopes and big dreams but in my wildest imagination, I could never have pictured the amazing ride that lay ahead.
"Representing this organization has been the biggest source of pride and joy in my life. I'm so grateful for the opportunity, for the friendships and for all the great memories created wearing the red, white and blue. I will always cherish my time as a Ranger. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!"

Lundqvist, who can sign with any team when NHL free agency opens Oct. 9, is sixth in NHL history in wins, seventh in saves (23,509), eighth in games (887), ninth in starts (871), ninth in time on ice (51,816:19) and 16th in shutouts. He played his entire NHL career with the shootout and without tie games.
In NHL postseason history, Lundqvist is seventh in saves (3,567), seventh in starts (130), eighth in time on ice (7,935:25), 10th in games (130), tied for 11th in shutouts and tied for 14th in wins.
He is the Rangers leader in wins, shutouts, games, starts, saves, time on ice and points by a goalie (27, all assists). He is New York's postseason leader in wins, shutouts, games, starts, saves and time on ice.
"We would like to thank Henrik for his immeasurable contributions to the New York Rangers," Rangers president John Davidson said. "From the time I met Henrik when he first came to New York in 2005, he has been the consummate professional. His tireless work ethic, passion for the game, and love of the Rangers and New York City enabled him to become one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey and one of the best players in the history of our franchise. We all wish Henrik and his family the best going forward."
Lundqvist's playing time decreased this season with the emergence of rookie Igor Shesterkin, who was recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Jan. 6.
Lundqvist started four of New York's final 29 games before the season was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Shesterkin started 12 games, going 10-2-0 with a 2.52 GAA and .932 save percentage, and missed six games with a rib injury. Alexandar Georgiev started 13 of the final 29 games, going 7-5-1 with a 2.87 GAA and .910 save percentage.
Lundqvist finished the season with the fewest games (30), starts (26) and wins (10) of his NHL career. He went 10-12-3 with a 3.16 GAA, a .905 save percentage and one shutout.

He started and lost the Rangers' first two games against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers because Shesterkin was unfit to play. Shesterkin returned for Game 3 with Lundqvist as his backup in what was his last game with the Rangers. Carolina won 4-1 on Aug. 4, completing a three-game sweep.
Lundqvist helped the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, when he went 13-11 with a 2.14 GAA, a .927 save percentage and one shutout in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. New York lost the Cup Final to the Los Angeles Kings in five games.
The Rangers went to the Eastern Conference Final in 2012 and 2015 with Lundqvist. They made the playoffs in 11 of his first 12 seasons and won at least one round seven times.

"Few players have been as important to the Rangers franchise as Henrik Lundqvist, and we are incredibly grateful for all he has done for our organization," MSG Sports executive chairman James Dolan said. "Over his 15-year tenure, he not only established himself as one of the best goaltenders to ever play the game, he has also been one of hockey's fiercest competitors and most effective ambassadors. He will always be a part of the Rangers family."
Lundqvist is the only goalie in NHL history to start his career with seven consecutive 30-win seasons (2005-12). In his eighth season, 2012-13, there was a reduced 48-game schedule, and he had 24 wins in 43 games (all starts). He had at least 30 wins each of the next four seasons, giving him 11 seasons with at least that many wins, ranking third in NHL history behind Martin Brodeur (14) and Patrick Roy (13).
"Playing for a franchise with such passionate and committed fans makes all the work you put in worth it," Lundqvist said. "Winning at The Garden always gave me so much energy, joy and satisfaction. Thank you for all your love and support, Ranger fans! I will NEVER forget you!"
New York selected Lundqvist in the seventh round (No. 205) of the 2000 NHL Draft. He played for Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League before coming to the NHL.
Internationally, Lundqvist won a gold medal with Sweden at the 2006 Torino Olympics and a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He also helped Sweden win the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen contributed to this report