AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File
Henrik Lundqvist, a long-time goalie for the New York Rangers, announced his retirement from NHL on Friday.
Lundqvist signed last October with the Washington Capitals, but he missed the whole 2020-21 season due to open-heart surgery.
The 39-year old native of Sweden won the Vezina Trophy in 2011-12 as the NHL's best goaltender with Rangers. He also led Sweden to a gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Rangers selected Lundqvist in the seventh round, 2000 NHL draft. This was 137 picks after Dallas Stars selected his twin brother Joel Lundqvist in the third round.
Frolunda was his next home in the Swedish Elite League. He won the Honken Trophy three times as the SEL's top-scoring goalie and led the franchise to the championships in 2003, 2005, and 2005.
He finally made his long-awaited move to the Rangers for 2005-06 and quickly established himself as one the NHL's best goalies, with a 2.24 goals against average and.922 percentage save percentage as a rookie. This result placed him third in Vezina voting.
Lundqvist was in New York for 15 years. Lundqvist was selected for five All-Star games and named to the NHL’s All-Decade Team in 2010.
Larry Brooks of The New York Post heard the future Hockey Hall of Famer say he entered the offseason hoping his career would continue. However, he experienced "some setbacks" during his heart surgery recovery, which delayed his return.
Lundqvist stated that she hoped to be 100 percent in a year. "But, I was told inflammation can take a long time to treat and with medication I might still be in the woods but it could be another year before I'm 100 percent."
He concluded that there were too many unknowns and too high a risk to continue his playing career with his family.
Brooks was told by Lundqvist that it's all still fresh. "I made the decision only a few days before. But I'm at peace. When I look back on my career, all I can see is pride and gratitude. "I am so grateful."
His career ended with a record of 459-310-996, 2.43 GAA, and.918 save percentage in 887 NHL games. All for the Rangers. In 130 playoff games, he also had a 2.30 GAA (and.921 save%).
Lundqvist, along with his future call from the Hall of Fame will likely also have his No. Rangers have retired the number 30 jersey.
