GLENDALE, Ariz. — Henrik Lundqvist is removing himself from conversations with management regarding a contract extension, the Rangers’ franchise goaltender said following Wednesday’s practice.
“For me, all my focus is going to be on hockey; on the game and winning,” Lundqvist said before the Blueshirts’ flight to Phoenix for Thursday’s season-opener. “That’s all I care about.
“If the Rangers and my representatives talk, that’s fine, but me personally, I am not going to get involved.”
Lundqvist’s representatives at Newport Sports have been in a steady dialogue with team management since early last month, but sources have told The Post little progress has been made in sealing a deal that would keep the King from becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The sides are believed separated on both contract length and dollars, with Lundqvist, who will turn 32 in March, seeking the maximum eight-year term allowed under the collective bargaining agreement for at least $8.5 million per.
It is unlikely the gap will be bridged in the foreseeable future, meaning the later in the season the issue remains unresolved, the more Lundqvist’s status is likely to become a topic of conversation.
Except the goaltender said he won’t be taking part in that conversation, either.
“This is the last you’re going to hear me talk about it,” he pledged.
Captain Ryan Callahan is in the same spot as Lundqvist (and, among others, Dan Girardi), eligible to leave as a free agent following the season.
Management and Callahan’s representatives have been in contact, but are not believed far along in the process. Judging from the market, Callahan will likely be able to attract offers of seven years at between $6 million and $7 million per as an unrestricted free agent.
“I have no problem talking during the season,” the captain, who will turn 29 in March, told The Post. “But as soon as it becomes a distraction or gets into my head, that’s when I’ll end it.
“I’m going to keep an open mind. But I love it here and want to be here.”