By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Washington Capitals signed goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in the off-season. He was expected to be a mentor and backup for Ilya Samsonov.
That was the plan. And plans change.
On Thursday, it was announced that Lundqvist will miss the upcoming 2020-21 NHL season. He was forced to miss the season when a heart condition was discovered.
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At this time, it’s not clear if Lundqvist will need surgery.
“The Washington Capitals are supportive of Henrik’s decision to step away from hockey at this time due to a heart condition,” the team said in a statement. “Our players’ health is of the utmost importance, and we stand behind Henrik’s decision. We want to wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”
Lundqvist said in a social media message that it was difficult for him to process this potentially life-changing news.
“It’s still very hard for me to process all of this,” Lundqvist said in a video posted on social media by the Capitals. “And kind of shocking, to be honest. After lots of discussions with doctors around the country, and finally receiving the last results earlier this week, I unfortunately won’t be able to join the team this year.”
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He signed a one-year deal with the Capitals in the off-season. He was slated to make $1.5 million in the role.
Before joining the Capitals, he spent 15 seasons with the New York Rangers. Before free agency began, the Rangers bought out Lundqvist’s contract.
“Heartbreaking and emotional,” Capitals owner Ted Leonsis wrote on Twitter. “I am only concerned and thinking about Henrik Lundqvist as a person and for his family’s wellbeing. We pray for his good health. We and the entire NHL family support the King.”
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