Henrik Lundqvist's return expected next season?
The goaltending situation lead to many discussions in the Washington Capitals organization during the past few months. Between Henrik Lundqvist's being forced out of the game, Ilya Samsonov's COVID-19 related troubles, and Seattle's selection of Vitek Vanecek in the expansion draft, the Capitals were not fortunate with their goaltenders.
However, there is some good news on the horizon. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan used a press conference, held in conjunction with the draft on Saturday night, to address the situation of former Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. The latest could be one step closer to a return to the game
For those who don't remember, Lundqvist signed a one-year deal with the Capitals last fall. However, he was forced to sit out during the entire 2020-21 season due to a heart condition that made him more vulnerable to the COVID-19. Now that the situation has improved a bit, the Swede is reportedly just waiting for medical clearance to put his pads back on.
«I think they are waiting to see if he is medically cleared before they talk about a return to action. I think he has the same attitude he had last year, that he would like to play. If he's cleared, I think he'll probably try to play,»MacLellan said, though he did not say whether he wanted the former New York Rangers forward in his lineup.
A retired Capitals goalie
A return to the game of Henrik Lundqvist could also become more than a possibility if goalie Craig Anderson retires. The latest would strongly consider this alternative according to his GM.
Anderson was the Capitals' third goalie last season. He played in four regular season games and two playoff games. This was his first season in Washington.
If he does hang up his skates, only goaltender Ilya Samsonov will be available to the Caps for the 2021-22 season, which would undoubtedly motivate Brian MacLellan to give Lundqvist a new contract to back up the young Russian.
