Lundqvist to just up and retire from the NHL?

The NHL pause is making us go crazy and has pushed James Mirtle of The Athletic to wonder if some players have played the last game of their career and will hang up the skates without a farewell.

While he dresses a full list of 15 players that could choose retirement during the pause, he breaks our heart by placing Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers in second place. 

Mirtle does mention that he did not want him there, however, he soon realized that his situation with the Rangers is not ideal. 

“But you talk to people around the franchise a little and it’s clear that the three-goalie situation this season has not been a lot of fun. It certainly sounds like the Rangers may buy Lundqvist’s final year out, opening the door for him to either sign elsewhere as a UFA or hang up his pads.

Lundqvist just turned 38 earlier this month, so it’s not out of the question this is it.”

The King has great numbers: a career .918 save percentage. A Vezina in 2011-12. Olympic gold (2006) and silver (2014). Sixth all-time in wins. The best Swedish netminder ever.

Could he interest another team if his deal gets bought out or if he simply has had enough of the overcrowded crease in the Big Apple? 

We don’t know and we haven’t heard from Lundqvist since the start of the pause… He could be considered hanging up the pads…