New York Rangers raise Henrik Lundqvist's No. 30 to rafters: 'This is home'

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The New York Rangers legend had his number raised to the rafters in Madison Square Garden on Friday night.

During the ceremony, he thanked the fans for supporting him throughout his career. I keep coming back to one feeling when I reflect on my time in New York.

The 11th number retired by the Rangers is that of Lundqvist.

Among the special guests in attendance were the family of the goalie, as well as former NHL players Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Brian Leetch and Mike Richter, all of whom have had their numbers retired by the team. On the backs of current Rangers players, there was a lighted display of the No. 30 on the ice as they prepared for their game against the Minnesota Wild.

Rangers fans made the ceremony even more memorable, chanting "Hen-rik," shouting out lines during his speech and booing owner James Dolan when he mentioned it.

"I missed you guys, I played my last game in the NHL with the Rangers in August 2020," said the man who played for the Rangers.

During the ceremony, he was given a few gifts. Tennis legend John McEnroe gave the goalie a new guitar that was painted by the mask artist. The game pucks were from all 64 regular-season and 10 playoffs shut outs. The current Rangers team presented the player with bottles of wine. The Louis Vuitton steamer trunk was given to the style icon in the NHL by the Rangers legends.

In franchise history, he is the all-time leader in games played, wins and save percentage. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 as the NHL's top goaltender. He has the record for most wins by a European-born goalie in the NHL. He led Sweden to an Olympic gold medal in men's hockey at the 2006 Winter Games in Torino.

At a news conference earlier in the day, he recalled arriving with the Rangers in the 2005-06 season.

He said that when he arrived, he didn't know what to expect. I was going to do what I wanted to do. I didn't know how many times I had to pinch myself because I lived my dream here. To live in a place where people care. They treat you well. To play in the Madison Square Garden. To live in New York City.

Glen Sather, the general manager who drafted him to the Rangers, said that he was one of the most aesthetically pleasing players in hockey during his 15-year career.

Sather said at the news conference that if you look well, you play well. It explains everything.

Chris Drury said that when fans or media ask him what a Ranger is, his thoughts go to him.

The easiest answer to that question was given by Hank and Drury. His will to win. His dedication to his craft, along with his talent and skill level. He is committed to this community and this city. He is the gold standard for what a New York Ranger is, and what a New York Ranger should be for this generation of player. The organization could never thank him enough for being that gold standard.

At the news conference, he said that he would speak with Rangers legends who would tell him that his number would be retired one day.

Lundqvist fought back tears and said that he would just laugh. When they said it was going to happen this year, I was excited to come back and thank everyone. A lot of people were asking if I was going to cry. I told them that if they cried, I would cry as well.

He played for the New York Rangers. When the Rangers went with a younger goalie duo in 2020-21, he signed a contract with Washington but never played a game for them because he needed a valve replacement, which ended his career at 39.

It was only one team for him. This is where I am. Within a year or so, I felt that. I struggled so much when I was done here, because I couldn't see myself playing anywhere else. I went for it because I still loved the game.

The heart said no, but I look back on it and laugh. This was the place all along. I am really proud to have played my entire career in New York City.