NEW YORK (AP) — The ”King” of Madison Sq. Backyard has been deposed.

The New York Rangers have purchased out the contract of star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist on Wednesday, parting methods with certainly one of their biggest gamers in franchise historical past after 15 largely spectacular seasons.

”Few gamers have been as vital to the Rangers franchise as Henrik Lundqvist, and we’re extremely grateful for all he has accomplished for our group,” stated James L. Dolan, govt chairman, MSG Sports activities. ”Over his 15-year tenure, he not solely established himself as probably the greatest goaltenders to ever play the sport, he has additionally been certainly one of hockey’s fiercest opponents and simplest ambassadors. He’ll at all times be part of the Rangers household.”

In shopping for out the ultimate 12 months of the 38-year previous’s contact, the Rangers will save $3.7 million in cap house for subsequent season. Lundqvist is now a free agent.

The Rangers traded veteran defenseman Marc Staal and a second-round draft option to Detroit within the final week in one other cap transfer.

Since becoming a member of the staff in 2005-06, Lundqvist has gained the Vezina Trophy (2011-12), led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Closing (2014), and been chosen to the All-Star sport 5 instances. He additionally helped Sweden win gold on the 2006 Turin Olympics.

Lundqvist tweeted a thanks after the transfer and plenty of pals congratulated him, together with tennis nice Roger Federer.

”15 years in the past, I performed my first sport for (at)NYRangers I got here right here with excessive hopes and massive goals however in my wildest creativeness, I might by no means have pictured the superb journey that lay forward..,” he wrote.

Lundqvist performed in 887 video games, posting a 459-310-96 file with a 2.43 goals-against common. The person known as ”The King” was restricted to 30 video games on this previous season and had a 10-12-Three file with a career-worst 3.16 goals-against common.

”Representing this group has been the most important supply of pleasure and pleasure in my life,” Lundqvist tweeted. ”I am so grateful for the chance, for the friendships and for all the nice reminiscences created sporting the pink, white and blue. I’ll at all times cherish my time as a Ranger.”

Lundqvist’s time with the Rangers was shortened by the play of goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev, who’re of their mid-20s.

Lundqvist was a fan favourite at Madison Sq. Backyard and the chants of ”Hen-rik” reverberated within the enviornment after certainly one of his numerous spectacular saves.

”We wish to thank Henrik for his immeasurable contributions to the New York Rangers,” Rangers President John Davidson stated. ”From the time I met Henrik when he first got here to New York in 2005, he has been the consummate skilled. His tireless work ethic, ardour for the sport, and love of the Rangers and New York Metropolis enabled him to develop into one of many biggest goaltenders in hockey and probably the greatest gamers within the historical past of our franchise. All of us want Henrik and his household the most effective going ahead.”

Lundqvist owns virtually each file for goalies in Rangers historical past, together with victories, shutouts (64), playoff wins and video games performed. He additionally has excelled underneath stress. Lundqvist set an NHL file by successful six consecutive Sport 7s, a streak that was damaged by the Tampa Bay Lightning within the 2015 Jap Convention last. He set an Olympic file for longest shutout streak (172:34) between the 2006 and 2010 Video games.

Lundqvist, who performs guitar and has been recognized to play charity occasions with tennis legend John McEnroe, was a finalist for the NHL Participant Basis Award in 2014-15 for his work with the Backyard of Goals Basis in New York. His Henrik Lundqvist Basis strives to create optimistic change within the lives of kids and adults all through the world by training and well being providers.

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