On the first day of NHL free agency, the Washington Capitals sign the king of New York, Henrik Lundqvist to a one-year, $1.5 million dollar contract.
Lundqvist became available to the Capitals in September after the New York Rangers bought out the final season of his seven-year contract.
The 38-year-old Swede was drafted in 2000 (205th overall) by the Rangers and started playing for the big club in 2005. In his 15 years with the Rangers, Lundqvist has played 887 games with 459 wins. Lundqvist also won the Vezina in 2011 and 2012 as a Ranger.
“THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!,” Lundqvist posted on social media. “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!”
After a disappointing 10th season, Washington chose not to re-sign starter Braden Holtby. The 31-year-old had the worst goals-against average (3.11) and save percentage (.897) in his last year with the Capitals. In his time with Washington, Holtby won the Vezina Trophy in 2016 and the Stanley Cup in 2018. Holtby has since signed with the Vancouver Canucks with a 2-year, $8.6 million dollar contract ($4.3M AAV).
According to Capitals general manager, Brian MacLellen, Lundqvist will be playing back up for 23-year-old goalie Ilya Samsonov. In his first NHL season, Samsonov played 26 games and earned 16 wins with a 2.55 GAA and a .913 SV%. The young Russian goalie will be able to learn and grow while working with the experienced Lundqvist .
“I still love to compete,” said Lundqvist on twitter. “I still love the game and I still want to WIN!”
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