Henrik Lundqvist will not be joining the Washington Capitals this upcoming season due to a heart condition. The veteran goalie made the announcement Thursday.
Lundqvist underwent weeks of tests and after consulting with medical specialists, determined it’s best he doesn’t play this season. He will spend time with his family before figuring out his next steps.
“The Washington Capitals are supportive of Henrik’s decision to step away from hocket at this time due to his heart condition,” The Capitals said in a statement. “Our players’ health is of the utmost importance, and we stand behind Henrik’s decision. We want to wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”
Lundqvist, 38, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Washington Capitals in October after spending 15 seasons with the New York Rangers.
This offseason the Capitals moved on from longtime netminder Braden Holtby, who signed with the Vancouver Canucks, turning to 23-year old Ilya Samsonov as the primary goalie. Lundqvist was expected to mentor and split time with Samsonov in the net for the Capitals this season.
Lundqvist stopped short of saying he would retire. However at his age, the latest health concern casts doubt into the playing future of one of the best goalies in NHL history.
Henrik Lundqvist was a five-time Vezina Trophy finalist, winning the award during the 2011-12 season.
