Henrik Lundqvist, a New York Rangers icon who was one of the greatest goalies in the NHL over the past two decades, has announced his retirement after 15 seasons.
Lundqvist last played in 2019-20 after heart issues prevented him from suiting up with the Washington Capitals last season.
“For the last 30 years, I have devoted my life to the game of hockey… and now it’s time to walk away from the game I love and begin a new chapter,” Lundqvist said in a statement.
“The future excites me. I’ve met so many amazing people over the years that will help to guide and inspire me in my new journey.”
The Rangers selected the netminder in the seventh-round, 205th overall in the 2000 NHL Draft and he retires as the greatest goaltender in franchise history.
Nicknamed “The King” Lundqvist’s 459 career regular season wins are sixth all-time and most by both a European-born goaltender and by a goaltender playing for the Rangers.
In all, the Rangers made the playoffs in 12 of Lundqvist’s 15 seasons and his 61 career-playoff wins are tied for 15th all-time.
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