Photo: New York Post
Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist announced on Thursday afternoon that he will not join the Washington Capitals this season due to a heart condition. He consulted with doctors and after many discussions, he decided not to risk anything with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Some tough news I need to share with you all.. pic.twitter.com/y7ZtAoo39Q
— Henrik Lundqvist (@hlundqvist35) December 17, 2020
The Capitals signed the 38-year-old goalie on October 9 to a one-year contract back up goaltender Ilya Samsonov after long-time starter Braden Holtby signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
The Capitals released the following video:
A message from Henrik: pic.twitter.com/JJDe2lKAXz
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 17, 2020
With Lundqvist out for the season, the Capitals will save $1.5 million in cap space and now have around $500K remaining in cap space with needs of a middle-six right-wing and a back-up goalie as Samsonov has never played more than 28 games in his pro career.
Commissioner Bettman Statement on Henrik Lundqvist. https://t.co/lMtDRzjcZs pic.twitter.com/TocPjSumSh
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 17, 2020
Lundqvist had the final year of his contract, which carried an $8.5 million cap hit, bought out by the New York Rangers on September 30.
The Capitals released the following statement:
Statement from the Washington Capitals on Henrik Lundqvist pic.twitter.com/PUvwVKTo0n
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 17, 2020
By Harrison Brown
For what it’s worth, the UFA goaltenders still on the market:
He should just retire then. Because at his age I don’t see him coming back after a year off, and if his heart is that bad he shouldn’t be playing sports anyway. If it’s that big of a problem I better see a story about the Lundquist family encasing their house in a bio tent.
On the bright side the Caps just cleared $1.5M of cap space. But that will only matter if there is a (20-)21 season.
Agreed, it’s somewhat surprising he said nothing about retiring, just not playing with the Capitals this season.
Probably doesn’t want to think about retirement yet. But I would not be surprised if he does ultimately retire after this year, given his relatively advanced age.
What a selfish reply. He is a human being first, with a family, and only secondly a hockey player. You speak of him as if he’s your commodity, rather than a person. I find that gauche and selfish. As you have NO idea WHATSOEVER what his heart condition is, you would have no idea what his path to recovery means, insofar as how long it will take, or how thorough a fix it will be. Good wishes to a good man, and a speedy and thorough recovery is what I wish for him!
What a selfish reply. He is a human being first, with a family, and only secondly a hockey player. You speak of him as if he’s your commodity, rather than a person. I find that gauche and selfish. As you have NO idea WHATSOEVER what his heart condition is, you would have no idea what his path to recovery means, insofar as how long it will take, or how thorough a fix it will be. Good wishes to a good man, and a speedy and thorough recovery is what I wish for him!