Could Henrik Lundqvist be in a Washington Capitals uniform next season? The 38-year old goalie had the final year of his contract bought out by the New York Rangers, making him a free agent this off-season after 15 seasons with the Rangers.
According to SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Capitals are one of the teams interested in signing the future Hall of Famer.
“Don Meehan (Lundqvist’s agent) was on Hockey Central and he said he’s definitely taking time to think about it and pursue it,” Friedman said. “I think one of the teams that’s considering it and is interested is Washington.”
The Capitals are expected to be in the market for a goalie as all signs point to Braden Holtby departing in free agency after 10 seasons. Ilya Samsonov is expected to be Washington’s lead goalie next season entering his second year.
Lundqvist is coming off the worst season of his stellar career. He had a .905 save percentage and 3.16 goals-against-average with a 50% quality start rate in 30 games last season — all career-worsts. With his declining play, the Rangers moved on in favor of their two young goalies, Alexandar Georgiev and Igor Shesterkin,
But he could be exactly what the Capitals are in search of. Adding a proven veteran to mentor and backup Samsonov would be very beneficial, especially the caliber of Lundqvist. Joining Washington would also give Lunqvist a good shot at the Stanley Cup ring that has alluded him during his career.
