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Dolan: Lundqvist declined Rangers' offer to trade him at deadline

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New York Rangers shipped out veterans Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash during a fire sale prior to the 2018 trade deadline, but that list could've also included franchise goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

"We told Hank that if he didn't want to ride it out through this process, we'd find a good landing place for him," James Dolan, executive chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company, told the New York Post's Larry Brooks. "But he said he wanted to stay and see it through.

"I'm very happy thats the way he feels. I think with him at the top of his game, that gives us our best chance of competing for a playoff spot next year."

Even prior to the Rangers announcing their rebuilding plans in February, Lundqvist remained committed to the team, stating, "I want to be here and battle through the ups and downs."

The goaltender is signed through the 2020-21 season with an $8.5-million annual cap hit and a full no-movement clause, per Cap Friendly.

Despite turning 36 on March 2 and having a poor defensive team in front of him, Lundqvist still managed to post a .915 save percentage this past season.

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