Capitals' Henrik Lundqvist Says He Won't Play in 2021 Because of Heart Condition

Washington Capitals goalie Henrik Lundqvist announced Thursday he won't play during the 2021 NHL season because of a recently diagnosed heart condition.

Lundqvist, who signed a one-year contract with the Caps in the offseason after 15 years with the New York Rangers, released a statement on Twitter:

The Capitals also provided a video from the 38-year-old netminder:

"The Washington Capitals are supportive of Henrik's decision to step away from hockey at this time due to his 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 was one of the league's best goaltenders throughout his tenure with the Rangers.

Selected in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL draft, he went on to earn five All-Star selections and won the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie during the 2011-12 season. He was also nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy, the NHL's MVP Award, that year.

He also enjoyed success with Sweden at the international level, highlighted by helping lead the Three Crowns to a gold medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Lundqvist posted a 2.43 goals against average and .918 save percentage in 887 games for the Rangers.

The future Hall of Famer expressed excitement about his new opportunity with the Capitals after signing as a free agent in early October.

"For a few weeks now, I've been doing my homework on all different scenarios and options for me, and I have to say, the Capitals, they checked every box," Lundqvist told reporters. "When it comes to a team that understands winning, a great coaching staff and an opportunity to play some games were the main factors for me."

Lundqvist was expected to split starts with Ilya Samsonov, the Caps' 23-year-old goalie of the future, following the departure of longtime Washington netminder Braden Holtby.

Samsonov may now be tasked with the full-time No. 1 gig. Pheonix Copley and Vitek Vanecek are the top contenders to fill the backup role if the front office doesn't sign another veteran.