Henrik Lundqvist to Go Home to Sweden if Lockout Drags On?
My plan right now is to stay in NY for a few weeks to practice. If this drags on I might go home and see friends and family back in Sweden.
— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist30) September 19, 2012
- First Nash to Davos, then rumors of Hagelin and McDonagh being courted by European teams and now Lundqvist is considering it. I wouldn't say its a sure sign of things to come, but if Hank is seriously thinking of leaving in a few weeks it can't be too good.
Anyone else think the Kreider might be kicking himself for going pro? Granted being forced to play in the AHL may actually be good for his transition. But you could see BC was important to him, and if this season is lost, he could have gone back for his senior year wand played with his buddies and won some more titles.
@johnnyb3910 I hear what you're saying, but I doubt it. His experience with the Rangers last spring was something most players don't experience in their career. Assuming he has no regrets.
Yeah, that tweet doesn't make it sound like he's going back to Sweden to play. Although, I'm sure he'll check out his options.
@TheNYRBlog So disgusted w/both sides of this lockout. Shame on them for letting this happen! #NothingButGreed
If this drags on the way I expect it to I hope the owners- the league as a whole- lose BILLIONS of dollars from a loss of fan support. THEN things may change. Owners will look to sell, Bettman will go somewhere else where he can't hurt hockey anymore- and there would be CHANGE! Could you imagine a Stanley cup presentation without that hockey killer? Maybe even hearing CHEERS for a future commissioner?
The players can go do whatever they want in my book- what do they owe to franchises that are locking them out right now?
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No way Hank will play in the Swedish "B-league". It's only Frölunda for him.
As of right now, the Swedish Elite League only allow players who sign for the entire season. If this season is cancelled, it would probably be addressed in late February, however the SEL transfer window closes on Jan. 31st, so unless the SEL decides that it is OK to sign NHLers on a short term contract or whatever, no NHLer would be eligable to play in the SEL.
Also, I wonder how much Hank is working out this off season (his first in NY). Seems like he's had his hands full with other stuff (a lot more going on in NY than in Gothenburg)...
I hope he plays while he's there if that's the case. Right now the SEL won't let NHL players in unless they commit to the full season. That means he might sign in the B league that Hagelin was talking to. Honestly, I think it's better then this "stay home and practice" thing. Wait a couple weeks, great. But then go play the game.
As I said in a past post, I'd love to see BR go to Davos with Nash, and I'd love for them to bring MDZ along. If he's gonna be our offensive presence on the blue line, let's get him clicking with these guys. Maybe the same idea with some guys going to Swedish clubs. Hagelin is going to be a draw playing in his hometown, he can certainly get them to sign a few friends. Maybe bring Step and Bickel. I think Stu getting some time to play hockey without fighting would be HUGE for him. Hank can probably get his squad to take some Rangers on. "Captain Cally" going over to Sweden would be a pretty nice thank you to Hank.
@TheWrage the tweet makes it seem like @HLundqvist30 is just gonna visit, not leave to play hockey. He is the king :'( he can't leave!
