Rangers sign G Lundqvist

Feb 14, 2008 - 10:49 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Rangers on Thursday signed goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to a six-year contract.

Although financial terms were not released, TSN of Canada reported that Lundqvist will earn $41.25 million over six years - $6.875 million per season - with a limited no-trade clause that would begin in the 2009-10 season.

Last summer, Lundqvist 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.

The 25-year-old 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.