5 teams who could trade for Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 01: New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 1, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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3. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers had a bit of revolving door between the pipes this past season. But Carter Hart has staked a relevant claim to the post going forward, with prospects Kirill Ustimenko and Felix Sandstrom also in the pipeline.

Upon being hired as the Flyers new head coach, Alain Vigneault declared his view of team as being in win-now mode.

"First thing I was looking for was an opportunity to win — an opportunity in the short term to win a Stanley Cup. When I look at and analyze the parts we have here in Philly, when I look at and analyze the options that we have in improving this team, it gets a check mark from me.t thing I was looking for was an opportunity to win — an opportunity in the short term to win a Stanley Cup. When I look at and analyze the parts we have here in Philly, when I look at and analyze the options that we have in improving this team, it gets a check mark from me."

"In my bucket list, I need one more thing: I need to win a Stanley Cup. I’ve come close twice. I’ve been very lucky to work for three great organizations: the Montreal Canadiens, the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. I’ve come close twice. I think this will be the right one."

The recent additions of former head coaches Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo to his staff seems to reinforce that belief. But the Flyers still have a question mark in goal, if only based on experience.

Vigneault was the Rangers’ coach for five seasons (2013-2018), so he’s obviously plenty familiar with Lundqvist. That familiarity could work against Philadelphia making a deal, if Vigneault’s view of his former goaltender is not optimistic. But they have the cap space to do it without limiting further moves, and if general manager Chuck Fletcher looks to trade Jakub Voracek or James van Riemsdyk in an effort to reshape the roster more financial breathing room should follow.

The prospect of playing for Vigneault again may appeal to Lundqvist, and the Flyers should be ready to make the move.

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