Henrik Lundqvist announced on Wednesday that he feels strong both mentally and physically one month after undergoing an open-heart procedure. He feels like the recovery “is going well.”
“It’s been a month today since the surgery and I feel good, good energy, moving around. Hope you guys are doing well,” the 38-year-old said.
I was not sure what to expect the first month after surgery. 4 weeks today and I feel strong, both body and mind filled with positive energy. Recovery is going well💪🏻😎 pic.twitter.com/62V7yGc958
— Henrik Lundqvist (@hlundqvist35) February 3, 2021
Washington Capitals’ GM Brian MacLellan told the media in December that Lundqvist has dealt with some heart issues throughout his NHL career.
Lundqvist told the public that he will have his aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta replaced during his procedure on social media in December.
He announced on December 17 that his heart condition will prevent him from playing this season.
Lundqvist signed a one-year contract with the Capitals as an unrestricted free agent on October 9 after 15 seasons with the New York Rangers, who bought out the final year of his contract that carried an $8.5 million cap hit on September 30, and Braden Holtby signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. The Capitals expected him to mentor Ilya Samsonov through his first season as the team’s No. 1 goalie.
Lundqvist previously said that he will meet with the Capitals when they visit New York for the next two days. The Capitals play the New York Rangers, who bought out the final season of Lundqvist’s seven-year contract on September 30, on Thursday night (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington locally, NHL Network nationally).
By Harrison Brown