The New York Rangers have announced they will retire Henrik Lundqvist’s iconic #30 in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Close friend, Mats Zuccarello should be there since the opponent is the Minnesota Wild. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 PM with the game start pushed to 8PM ET.
“Over the franchise’s history, only 11 Rangers players have earned the honor of having their numbers raised to the Garden rafters, where they forever serve as inspiration for others to follow,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman, MSG Sports in a team release. “For 15 seasons, Henrik Lundqvist embodied everything the Rangers organization stands for – excellence, commitment, pride, and leadership. It is only fitting that his No. 30 will now join the legends who have come before him.”
Henrik Lundqvist jersey retirement set for January 28
Lundqvist belongs high in the Garden’s ceiling. I don’t care to debate if he is the greatest of all New York Rangers goalies, he simply is one of the best players to ever pull the sweater over his head. His Gold and Silver medals prove his international greatness. Lundqvist capturing the 2012 Vezina Trophy, along with every heart-stopping save in his 15 year NHL playing career is enough for me.
The 39 year-old goalie ends his NHL career with a record of 459-310-96, a .916 SV% and a GAA of 2.43 with 64 shutouts. Simply remarkable numbers. Lundqvist will forever be remembered for carrying the team on numerous occasions, in particular the 2014 Stanley Cup run that fell short. He is and always will be one of the best Blueshirts of all-time.
“It was an honor to play with Henrik for four seasons and watch his career evolve as I’ve moved through the organization,” President and General Manager Chris Drury said. “Having his No. 30 etched in history forever is so well-deserved for a man who has done so much for the city of New York, on and off the ice. It will be a special moment for the entire organization.”
Lundqvist excited to come home
The King immediately responded to the announcement.
“There’s no place like it,” Lundqvist wrote. “Can’t tell you enough how much I look forward to be back in the place that has meant so much to me in my life. See you at the Garden January 28th!”
Lundqvist will join Rod Gilbert (7), Ed Giacomin (1), Mike Richter (35), Mark Messier (11), Brian Leetch (2), Adam Graves (9), Andy Bathgate (9), Harry Howell (3), Jean Ratelle (19), and Vic Hadfield (11) as the only Rangers whose jersey numbers have been retired by the organization. Gilbert was the first Ranger to have his number retired on Oct. 14, 1979, and was joined by Giacomin’s No. 1 on Mar. 15, 1989, Richter’s No. 35 on Feb. 4, 2004, Messier’s No. 11 on Jan. 12, 2006, Leetch’s No. 2 on Jan. 24, 2008, Graves’ No. 9 on Feb. 3, 2009, Bathgate’s No. 9 and Howell’s No. 3 on Feb. 22, 2009, Ratelle’s No. 19 on Feb. 25, 2018, and most recently Hadfield’s No. 11 on December 2, 2018.
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