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New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is one step close to playing for his hometown Swedish team, Frolunda Gothenburg, after the team secured financing to pay for Lundqvist's injury insurance.
NHL insurance policies are currently suspended due to the lockout, so in order to sign Lundqvist, the Swedish team must pay the insurance that would cover the remaining two year, $13.75 million contract he has with the New York Rangers in case of injury. It is estimated the insurance will cost the team close to $30,000 per month.
Insurance has become a primary issue for players seeking refuge in foreign leagues during this lockout. Three locked-out NHL players – Jakub Voracek, Rick Nash and Jiri Hudler – have already sustained injuries playing in their respective leagues.
The 30-year-old Lundqvist went 39-18-5 with a 1.97 goals against average in 62 starts for the New York Rangers last season. He was 10-10 with a 1.82 goals against average in postseason play.
This story originally appeared at SB Nation.