In hindsight the New York Rangers should’ve kept Lundqvist and traded Georgiev last season

The New York Rangers have certainly done many things right over the last few seasons. However, since hindsight has perfect 20/20 vision, it looks like the organization may have completely misplayed their goaltending situation regarding backup Alexandar Georgiev.

Of course, at some point we can revisit this after the season to see if I’m wrong. At least for now, it seems that maybe moving Georgiev for whatever they could get and keeping Lundqvist for one more year would’ve been the better route.

Rangers should have kept Lundqvist

Back at the end of the 2020 season, the team opted to hold on to Georgiev and buyout Henrik Lundqvist. A move that upset the fanbase and caused two years of dead cap space that ends this season with a remaining $1.5 million.

Things have not turned out as they hoped with the 25 year-old Georgiev struggling mightily this year.

At one point this summer, the Rangers were said to be shopping Georgiev. According to Larry Brooks, they didn’t receive a single bite.

Georgiev, unhappy with his status as backup to Shesterkin, has wanted out for a while, even if he might never have formally requested general manager Chris Drury to trade him. The Blueshirts made Georgiev available over the summer, but never got more than a nibble.

NY POST

One of the main reasons for the lack of interest could have also been the rumored asking price from Chris Drury of a first round pick. A sign that the organization has likely overvalued Georgiev’s worth around the NHL for a long time.

As for Lundqvist, after the buyout he signed a one year deal with the Capitals but never played because of a heart condition that needed surgery and eventually forced him to retire.

While Hank may not have been able to help the Rangers on the ice, he would’ve retired a Ranger and that would’ve meant a lot to fans of the team.

As for Georgiev, the Blueshirts likely would’ve gotten a second round pick for him at the 2020 Draft.

Georgiev probably going to be lost for nothing