Henrik Lundqvist had a very human moment when asked about the Rangers trading his good friend

It’s easy to sometimes forget that the professional athletes that we watch all the time on television are actually real people with real emotions.

Because they are often so good at fiercely competing in a sport they’ve come to master.

Like New York Rangers goalie, Henrik Lundqvist. He’s long been one of the best goalies in the NHL, a rock for his team, and a star of the league.

On Sunday he let us in to the personal side of him as he got very emotional while trying to talk about the Rangers trading fan favorite Mats Zuccarello to the Dallas Stars on Saturday:

Henrik Lundqvist gets choked up talking about the Mats Zuccarello trade.

We're with ya Hank. #NYR pic.twitter.com/HyyfIS1NWS

— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) February 24, 2019

Here’s the Instagram post by Lundqvist:

View this post on Instagram

One of the most unique player and teammate I ever played with. Brings so much to the table. Will miss you a ton! 😔 My favorite moment as a Ranger, “We’re going to the finals!!” #36 #Zuuuuk

A post shared by Henrik Lundqvist (@hank30nyr) on Feb 23, 2019 at 6:26pm PST

Lundqvist and Zuccarello have been teammates for the last nine years but now that’s over and it has to be heavy for all Rangers fans.

The team shared this message after trading him:

Zucc,
From your first goal (an OT game winner) you captured the hearts of RangersTown and always made us smile.

Your spirit.
Your passion.
Your extra effort.
A Blueshirt through and through.

Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. We thank you.
ZUUUUUUUUUCC pic.twitter.com/gV8O7Lhl7s

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 24, 2019