Report: Lulea expects Nils Lundkvist to sign with New York Rangers next season
One of the most talked about and anticipated prospects yet to debut for the New York Rangers is defenseman, Nils Lundkvist. Drafted in 2018 with the Blueshirts third selection in that first round (28 overall), the dynamic Swede has yet to sign his ELC. That’s going to change this summer.
Lulea expects Nils Lundkvist to sign with Rangers
Ulf Engman, Lulea’s Deputy General Manager told HockeyNews.se that it’s highly likely Lundkvist will sign with the Rangers for next season. As to the expectations for when the move will occur, it will come after his obligations to the National Team.
“He’s a defenseman for the national team, and maybe plays the World Cup this spring,” Engman said via translation. “Then he’s probably good enough to play in the NHL.”
Lulea’s executive wanted to make it clear that this is their expectation only. “It’s not that we hear anything,” he explained. “It’s more of a feeling because he’s good.”
In 46 games in the SHL, Lundkvist has 12 goals and 27 points. He also leads all defenseman this season in goals and power play goals (7) and is 17th in average ice time (21:11) for all skaters.
Nils Lundkvist’s only focus is Lulea right now
Forever Blueshirts spoke with Lundkvist last month to see how his season was going and his anticipation of coming to New York. Right now Lundkvist has a singular focus and that’s on the current season with Lulea.
“My main focus right now is to play as well as possible for Lulea Hockey in the SHL,” Lundkvist told Steven Voogel. “Our goal here is to go far in the playoffs and hopefully win the title together.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s lost sight of his ultimate goal to play on Broadway. “I keep in touch with Rangers’ player development and I let my agent handle everything else,” he said. “My focus is fully on playing as well as possible and to finish this season as strong as possible.”
Furthermore, sources confirmed to us back in January that Lundkvist’s intent is to sign with the Rangers next season.
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