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