I was thinking about Lundqvists career the other day. Specifically of, what other goaltender has carried his team for as long as Lundqvist has? What other goaltender has been responsible for his team being two or three spots better in the standings every year? A sure fire, first ballot hall of famer, who will go down as one of the best ever when he’s done. One of the greatest Rangers to have put on the Jersey. All he wants is a Cup. And its up to the Rangers to get the rest of the pieces to compliment him. That includes a Coach, so make the right choice Slats or Lundqvist’s gone as sure as Tebow. I don’t think Messier is who Lundqvist envisions walking through the door. He’s looking for a coach to get him to where he wants to go, a parade down Broadway. A little experience is in order.
What worries me is not the money, he’s going to get the max teams can pay. His agent knows it and every GM in the league knows it. Don’t think he and his agent are not sitting back with Philly already on the list, loving Pittsburg’s goalie follies, chuckling about another team in dire need of winning the Lundqvist sweepstakes. When you throw in another 15 or so teams checking in on signing Lundqvist, his ambition to be on a winner will come down to his choice of the best vehicle to get him there. Its what he’s playing for now. The extra jingle in his jeans is just gravy.
The Rangers are on a very slippery slope and have to be very cognisant of their interests. Lundqvist is to big a asset to watch walk away next summer for nothing. They have to offer him a max contract this summer and make a decision based on his. If he signs all is well, if he doesn’t then its not the money, it means he’s also looking for his best Cup winning opportunity. And if he doesn’t sign its “hey daw” and let the unthinkable happen, beginning trade talks. Because if he doesn’t sign this summer the Rangers can’t afford to “think” he will by next summer. Because if he walks for nothing next summer it will take the Rangers 10 years to recover.
Lets hope the trade talks never start.
CBJ
NJD