The Washington Capitals have signed Henrik Lundqvist.
After a hot rumor for the last few weeks, it is now official, Henrik Lundqvist is coming to Washington. The Washington Capitals were shopping for a veteran goaltender to backup Ilya Samsonov and they chose the king. Pierre LeBrun was first to report that Lundqvist has signed a one year deal with the Capitals worth $1.5 million.
The rumors became even hotter that Lundqvist was going to come to D.C. once he was bought out by the New York Rangers. Both teams see it as a perfect fit. Lundqvist wants a Stanley Cup before he retires and the Caps are in win now mode as their championship window is closing. This could be the last dance for both of them.
The Caps gain an experienced netminder, a seasoned vet that can mentor Samsonov while stepping in when needed. The targeted date for next season is January 1, 2021 and the schedule will likely be compressed so the season can be finished before the Olympics.
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Lundqvist has an impressive resume that has spanned 15 years and 887 games all with the New York Rangers. He’s won a Vezina Trophy, a world championship, and a gold medal. Now all he needs is a Stanley Cup.
The Caps needed an affordable goalie and according to Bob McKenzie his cap hit will be one year and $1.5 million. That is exactly what they were looking for and now Lundqvist has the chance to continue his legacy and take his talents to the District of Columbia.
Samsonov has played in 26 nHL games. In 2018-19 he played in 37 AHL games with the Hershey Bears. Now he’ll be getting starters games, playing in 50 or even 60. That is a heavy workload. Lundqvist can easily fill in when Samsonov gets the night off and he’ll help keep the Capitals in games night after night.
This signing also marks the end of the Braden Holtby era as he inked a two year deal with the Vancouver Canucks. Holtby will always be beloved for winning the Stanley Cup as well as his impact off the ice in the community.
Lundqvist will be a worthy replacement and like the hiring of Peter Laviolette checks all the boxes for Brian MacLellan. It also gives them extra money to acheive their other goals of free agency and beyond.
Welcome to D.C. Henrik Lundqvist! It will be fun watching you suit up for the Washington Capitals.