On Thursday morning, Henrik Lundqvist of the Washington Capitals took to Twitter with some very sad news. He will be unable to take the net this season due to a newly diagnosed heart disease. After weeks of testing and consulting with doctors across the country, Hank states the risk is too high to play before “remedying his condition.”
It is still unclear what the diagnosis is and the severity.
Lundqvist played the last 15 seasons with the New York Rangers before the last year of his contract was bought out and he signed with Washington. The excitement was bubbling over in Capitals territory for the Hank Era to begin in a mere 27 days. Unfortunately, this will have to be put on hold.
After the news broke, several NHL teams took to social media wishing Hank the best in his recovery.
“Stay strong, Henrik. Hope to see you on the ice soon”
Colorado Avalanche Twitter
“…We’ll miss the competition this season. Stay safe, get well, and the best to your family.”
Carolina Hurricanes Twitter
“…Our thoughts are with you.”
Toronto Maple Leafs Twitter
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that Henrik is a beloved player across the league who will be dearly missed. “While we are all saddened as hockey fans that we will not be able to watch Henrik tend goal for the Capitals this season,” Bettman said, “we are also thankful that he will be getting the necessary medical care.” He said to ESPN.
His former team also took to social media to express their support.
“We have no doubt that Henrik Lundqvist will face this challenge with the same fierce determination and grace that made him one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game of hockey, and an inspiration to all of us…he will always be apart of our New York Rangers family.”
This is a sad day in the hockey community. The Henrik Lundqvist revenge tour will be one to remember. But if this is it for him, he’ll always be The King.
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