Henrik Lundqvist has officially hung up his skates, as the long-time goaltender has retired from the NHL. The news isn’t surprising, given Lundqvist’s health concerns that caused him to miss the entire 2020-21 NHL season, but it’s still a bittersweet moment for hockey fans across the globe.
Lundqvist began his 15-year NHL career back in the 2005-06 season after being drafted by the New York Rangers in the seventh round at 205th overall in 2000. Though Lundqvist did not win a Stanley Cup in his NHL career, he ends his time in professional hockey with 459 wins, a .918 save percentage, and one Vezina trophy to his name.
On the ice, Lundqvist played all 15 NHL seasons with the Rangers, though he signed with the Washington Capitals in the 2020 free agency period. Lundqvist was set to play this past season for the Capitals, but a heart condition held him back.
After Lundqvist’s announcement, support from hockey fans, players, and more flooded in on social media to give King Henrik the send-off he deserved.
— Henrik Lundqvist (@hlundqvist35) August 20, 2021
