Report: Rangers lock up Lundqvist

Feb 13, 2008 - 4:07 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Rangers reportedly have locked up goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to a long-term contract.

The New York Daily News reported Wednesday that Lundqvist has agreed to a six-year contract that is believed to be worth more than $39 million.

The Rangers, who are off until hosting the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, have not commented on the report.

Without a deal, the popular goaltender who nicknamed "King Henrik", would have become a free agent on July 1.

According to the Daily News, Rangers general manager Glen Sather and Lundqvist's agent, Don Meehan, began negotiating a new deal after January 1.

Last summer, Lundqvist, 25, signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million for the 2007-08 season.

The Swedish netminder has been a finalist for the Vezina Trophy the past two seasons, helping lead the Rangers to back-to-back playoff appearances following a seven-year postseason draught.

Last season, the Rangers swept the Atlanta Thrashers in the first round of the playoffs, their first series win in a decade.

Lundqvist has at times given New York spectacular goaltending in his two-plus seasons in the NHL. However, he has slumped of late as the disappointing Rangers try to hold on to a playoff spot in a season in which they were expected to contend for the Stanley Cup.

Lundqvist is just 24-21-5 with a 2.37 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. After allowing more than three goals only once in his first 24 starts, he surrendered at least four goals in six of 12 December outings.

Some have speculated that Lundqvist has been affected by the health of his father, Peter, who recently underwent brain surgery in Sweden after suffering an aneurysm. Lundqvist, however, has been reluctant to talk about his father's health.

He has a career mark of 91-55-13 with a 2.32 GAA and 14 shutouts. Lundqvist's seven shutouts this season are second in the NHL behind Columbus' Pascal Leclaire.

The Rangers are seventh in the Eastern Conference with 63 points, just one ahead of Buffalo and two in front of Boston.