New York Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist would rather stay than win elsewhere

Despite the fire sale, Henrik Lundqvist would rather stay with the New York Rangers than win with another team.

New York Rangers fans have never had a difficult time rooting for Henrik Lundqvist. How could it be hard? He took over very soon after Mike Richter retired and has been, well, “The King”. He has given New York and Rangers fans memories that will last a lifetime. Nobody will forget all of the wins, all of the clutch saves, all of the great performances and everything else Lundqvist did. Frankly, he has spent extended periods of time carrying this franchise.

All of that being said, the one thing he hasn’t delivered to New York is a Stanley Cup. He came close in 2013-2014, taking the Rangers to the final before they lost to the Los Angeles Kings. Lundqvist never got the team back there afterwards and never got there beforehand. However he carried the team to most of the accomplishments they were able to achieve. This all-time great should get the chance to win, right?

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One could argue that Lundqvist certainly deserves it. Terrence Doyle of 538.com made this argument. Even I have made the argument that the Rangers should say goodbye and send him somewhere to win the Stanley Cup that he richly deserves. The point being that he has been so good for and to the team that they should give him the chance for some glory.

Aside from the fact that he has a no-trade clause there is one problem with this theory. Lundqvist doesn’t want to leave and win. He would rather be part of this franchise and see the process through as long as possible. He is all in (via the NY Post):

"“I made a commitment to this organization a few years back. It was a big decision in my career. I hope they have the same commitment to me. I guess it would really be up to them if they have another idea, but I don’t. I want to be here. “I want to play for one organization. This one. I love it here. I want to be here and battle through the ups and downs, the good and the bad. It’s important to me.”"

Now that is dedication, is it not? Not only is he great, he wants to be great in New York and only New York. What’s not to love about Henrik Lundqvist?

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Hearing these types of things only gives us more reason to be a fan of this guy. Not only is he the best we have seen, he loves this town. Henrik Lundqvist is dedicated to helping the Rangers rebuild the team to contention. I, for one, am looking forward to it. What kind of team can they build around him while he can still play? Let’s find out.

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