Henrik Lundqvist opens up about his future with the Rangers and in the NHL

After being a centerpiece of the New York Rangers for several years, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist found himself relegated to third-string netminder this season behind Igor Shestyorkin and Alexandar Georgiev. The 38-year-old still has another season after this one left on his contract, but it looks like he may not see much action in a Rangers' jersey. In an interview with a reporter in his home country of Sweden, Lundqvist opened up about his current situation with the team and what his future holds. Asked if he was surprised at becoming a third strong goaltender at this point in his career, Lundqvist didn't hold back.

“What am I supposed to say about that? I had a picture of how the season would develop, what I had in mind. "When things turned out the way they did, I was surprised. But at the same time, part of me understands the situation.” Lundqvist said. “I'm not blind. They're thinking ahead. There are many pieces that go into building a team right now, but also for the future. You're going to have to widen the view a little. But it wasn't like I projected my own plan for sure.”

“Obviously it is disappointing to not play as much as you want. That's where the disappointment is. It's more … not on them (the Rangers), but more that it became as it became. And if I not had been disappointed, then I sell myself short. I want to play, to deliver at a high level. If I don't, I will be disappointed.”

As for whether he wants the Rangers to buy out the last year of his contract, Lundqvist wasn't saying. However, he seems intent on having his career continue once his contract with New York is done.

“It's not in my mind right now, “ was his reply. “The focus is training and this summer. Now we go for it right here. I can sense that I have it in me – to go another few years over there in the NHL. I'm sure about it!”

"I must be set that change eventually comes by time.”

Lundqvist has spent his entire NHL career with the New York Rangers, starting with his first season in 2005-06. He has played in 887 regular season NHL games. The Rangers will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the play-in round of the NHL's upcoming 24-team playoffs.

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