Henrik Lundqvist, goaltender for the NHL, has announced his retirement saying "it's now." This is the end of a 15-year NHL history.
Lundqvist said in a Twitter statement that "for the past 30 years, my life has been devoted to hockey... and now is the time to walk away and start a new chapter." "The future excites us. Over the years, I have met many incredible people who will guide me and inspire me on my new journey.
Lundqvist (39) will be remembered for his time with the New York Rangers. He was a five-time All-Star with them and won the Vezina Trophy in 2011-12 as the league's best goalie. Lundqvist, who had undergone open-heart surgery in January, signed a one year deal with Washington Capitals for 2020-21. However, he never played for the team.
For more than a decade, he was the Rangers' face and one of New York City's most beloved athletes. Lundqvist was drafted by the Rangers in the seventh round of 2000. He made the leap from Sweden to the NHL during 2005-06.
Lundqvist wrote, "Thank you @nyrangers & New York City." "I am a Swede born, but I will always feel New Yorker because of you. @NHL, thank you. The league was everything I hoped for and more. Thank you, hockey fans and the game! Your life purpose gave me meaning and I have enjoyed every minute of it!"
Lundqvist retired with a record 459-310-96, in 887 career NHL matches, a save percentage.918, an average of 2.43 goals against and 64 shutouts. In all of these categories, he is the Rangers' leader in franchise.
Lundqvist wrote, "I'm very grateful for the hockey has brought me and taught my in life." These lessons will not leave me. I am grateful to all my coaches and teammates who supported me throughout my career.
This report used information from Emily Kaplan, ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
