Look at the New England Patriots as a model. They get rid of popular players ( even Tom Brady! ) all the time. Why? Because they want to keep WINNING!

Hank is an all-time Ranger, no doubt, but he had to go --- it was time! He and his contract were standing in the way of future winning. Some may say: "Hanks different, he earned a better send off" --- I call BS. He is 38 years old, his skills have CLEARLY diminished and his time is up in NY, plain and simple. I wish him him the best, but lets move FORWARD!

LGR!
- TommyGTrain

💯

I'm so torn. We need the cap space and he needs a cup but it won't happen next year...

They get savings this year tho. There was no other option, it’s simple as that he had to go. His contract was a year to long 🤷🏻‍♂️
- Slimtj100

I just don't think yet another buyout is worth the 3mil in cap space. Guess we'll find out if this actually goes down. Hopefully something is coming that actually takes advantage of the space.

Rippin’ off the bandaid. Now lose Smith. Fare thee well, Hankie.

Jan Levine: Rangers to buy out Henrik Lundqvist, possible Wednesday, per Darren Dreger
- airjan23

There were no offers, he wouldn’t retire, he’s forcing their hand. I’m certain he still thinks he can be a #1 or maybe #1a, for a year or two, otherwise he would not have forced them to buy him out. None of this makes sense, I don’t see him playing anywhere outside the metropolitan area.

There were no offers, he wouldn’t retire, he’s forcing their hand. I’m certain he still thinks he can be a #1 or maybe #1a, for a year or two, otherwise he would not have forced them to buy him out. None of this makes sense, I don’t see him playing anywhere outside the metropolitan area.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

He could end up with philly

He could end up with philly
- jimbro83

He could, not sure how he parted ways with AV.

He could, not sure how he parted ways with AV.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

He would back up Hart not start over him. That type of move would make him a pariah amongst the Garden faithful

There were no offers, he wouldn’t retire, he’s forcing their hand. I’m certain he still thinks he can be a #1 or maybe #1a, for a year or two, otherwise he would not have forced them to buy him out. None of this makes sense, I don’t see him playing anywhere outside the metropolitan area.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

If he retires after this without signing elsewhere, that would be a twisting of the knife.

He could end up with philly
- jimbro83

Caps if Holtby splits.

He could, not sure how he parted ways with AV.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I think they are fine

If he retires after this without signing elsewhere, that would be a twisting of the knife.
- airjan23

Not necessarily. They could give him a position with the organization. He would have his jersey retired and lifted to the rafters, the moment fans are allowed. He’d go out even a bigger hero in Rangerland.

Sad day in Rangers history tomorrow, but something that needed to be done.

Now I’ll have to change my screen name....

He's slated to make $5.5M this year. If he gets bought out, he'll make 2/3 of that ($3.67M) over the next 2 years, for a net loss of $1.83M. So if he signs for $2M or more, he actually makes out better financially.

I guess he figured if he HAD to move on, might as well maximize the cash.

Lotta great hockey from him but Some athletes just don’t know when it’s time to hang em up. It’s not like he needs the money.

Marc Staal and a 2nd for Trouba and Lunqvist.

hopefully he goes to a contendor and wins a cup as a backup
- wingz4life

God I hope not. I want to see King Baby Stuff skate away into the sunset Cup-less with his binky in his mouth (and his security blanket, of course).

Why anyone likes this whiny metrosexual diva is beyond me.

I just don't think yet another buyout is worth the 3mil in cap space. Guess we'll find out if this actually goes down. Hopefully something is coming that actually takes advantage of the space.
- JRR1285

Obviously, NYR brass see the buyout numbers as well. I think they are looking two years ahead when Zibby and some players under ELCs need to be signed, and that is when the dead cap space will be done.

The Shatty buyout is biggest disappointment for me, just wish they made some other moves and figured out a way to keep or trade him

God I hope not. I want to see King Baby Stuff skate away into the sunset Cup-less with his binky in his mouth (and his security blanket, of course).

Why anyone likes this whiny metrosexual diva is beyond me.
- Hockey66

Stay classy....

Obviously, NYR brass see the buyout numbers as well. I think they are looking two years ahead when Zibby and some players under ELCs need to be signed, and that is when the dead cap space will be done.

The Shatty buyout is biggest disappointment for me, just wish they made some other moves and figured out a way to keep or trade him
- rrentz

Moving him ended up opening space and playing time for Adam Fox

God I hope not. I want to see King Baby Stuff skate away into the sunset Cup-less with his binky in his mouth (and his security blanket, of course).

Why anyone likes this whiny metrosexual diva is beyond me.
- Hockey66

You will probably never see this having slinked back to your troll bridge, here is your hero in one of his finest moments.

God I hope not. I want to see King Baby Stuff skate away into the sunset Cup-less with his binky in his mouth (and his security blanket, of course).

Why anyone likes this whiny metrosexual diva is beyond me.
- Hockey66

Sounds like you have some built up fears around exploring your homoerotic feelings for Lundqvist. It's okay, this is a judgement free zone. Lundqvist is sexy. You can say it. Don't allow your fear to turn to anger. That's the path to the dark side yo

I think Hank is a little pissed off and I can't blame him! He gave everything he had for many many years and not one person can say different! I am suprised Hand did not go to a cup contender this year since I think it would be awesome if Hank won a cup!!!!
However Hank is to classy for that!!! He really is he is nothing short of the great one when it comes to class!!!! God I am going to miss that man for not only his on ice enjoyment but is off the ice as well!!! Dam I hate this I really do not cool!

They shouldn't buy him out. You also have to look at player morale towards the organization. The players invest their blood, sweat, and tears into a team. It doesn't have to be treated as only a business. They should find a trade for Giorgiev, and let Hank stay as the back up. It will most likely be a shortened season next year, so goalies can take more of a 50/50 split. Rangers aren't a Stanley Cup contender yet, so no need to rush that. Let Hank finish with the Rangers and dignity. I don't view Giorgiev as anything more than a backup with Shesty here. I think Giorgiev would rather be traded than sign with Rangers and be a backup for his entire career.

In regards to who would back up after next season, the Rangers have Tyler Wall up and coming. If he is not ready, there should be plenty of FA signings for a cheap backup.