It’s a great question and one that isn’t certain based on the teams performance this past season.
Management has made it clear that ever player outside of Lundqvist, Brady Skjei and Pavel Buchnevich are on the table as far as trade talks. The Rangers will listen to all trade inquiries, even for some of their top players you wouldn’t consider, like captain Ryan McDonagh. That’s pretty incredible, especially since this team has performed well over the last few seasons, coming as close as you can get to winning a Stanley Cup. But close is not good enough, especially if you’re an original six team in the biggest market under the most scrutiny day in and day out. A change is needed and so the team is open to trade conversations to see how they can rebuild or position themselves to get that Stanley Cup they’ve been chasing since 93-94 season.
So will it be a rebuilding year, or just a makeover for the Rangers? Regardless, Henrik Lundqvist must be feeling a little uneasy since his time and productive play will likely tick a little downward every season from this point forward. A cornerstone of the team in so many ways, Lundqvist is arguably the best and most consistent goalie in the NHL. Just in the last couple of season with coach Alan Vigneault, he’s had the necessary team around him to make playoff appearances and deep runs at the Stanley Cup. At his age, you’ve got to think he’s a little upset or curious of the choices the Rangers will be making in the off season.
