Edited to include statement from New York Rangers and announcement that they are retiring his number.
One of the greatest New York Rangers made the announcement today. Here are his own words. “For the last 30 years, I’ve devoted my life to the game of hockey…and now it’s time to walk away from the game I love and begin a new chapter.”
It means that Lunqvist will retire having worn no other NHL uniform in a regular season game. Henrik Lundqvist announced via Twitter that he is hanging up his skates after a fabulous career.
— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist) August 20, 2021
Shortly after his announcement, the team issued a statement and said that they will be retiring his number 30, a fitting tribute to “The King.”
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 20, 2021
Lundqvist had left the team when he was bought out by the Rangers in September 2020 and quickly signed a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals only to shock the hockey world when he revealed that he needed heart surgery to repair a “leaky valve.”
The surgery was a success and he embarked on an ambitious plan to return to hockey, but after several setbacks he has finally decided to call it quits. In reality, there was little chance that a team would take a chance on signing him after his time away from the game and at this stage in his life, he didn’t need to try to prove he can still play by spending time in the minor leagues.
Lundqvist undoubtedly has a future in the New York Rangers organization and he spoke about New York and the team in his message. “Thank you @nyrangers and New York City. I’m a born Swede, but I’ll always feel like a New York thanks to you.”
Lundvist had hinted that a decision was coming when he posted this tweet just ten days ago.
Not sure how many times I’ve been sitting here, tying and untying the pads over the years, 15.000? I’m just guessing.. Back at it, we’ll see what happens 🙂 pic.twitter.com/9uGubSKYnl
— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist) August 10, 2021
As recently as the beginning of August, Lundqvist was in New York City, fully involved in his philanthropic efforts working to help feed needy families in the Big Apple.
Food insecurity in NYC for children & their families have heightened due to the pandemic. #HLF in partnership with @gardenofdreams will therefore together donate $100,000 to 4 organizations to support food insecure children and their families in NYC. See link in bio. pic.twitter.com/MiiIFLHVGy
— Henrik Lundqvist FDN (@HLundqvistFDN) August 4, 2021
Lundqvist retires with the following career stats:
- 6th in wins with 459
- 6th in saves with 23, 509 (for all goalies since 1955)
- 8th in games played with 887
- 6th in save percentage at .918 (goalies who played 10 seasons or more)
- 17th in shutouts with 64
- 1st in shootout wins with 61
- 12th in playoff shutouts with 10
- 15th in playoff wins with 61
Lundqvist was 6-2 in playoff game sevens, the most wins of any goalie and with the best winning percentage in seventh games (.750).
Known as “The King,” he holds practically every franchise goaltending record and is and is a sure fire Hall of Famer. An Olympic gold medal winner, the only blemish on his career is the lack of a Stanley Cup championship.
Congratulations to one of the greatest players to wear the New York Rangers jersey. The best news is his career as a Ranger (off the ice) is probably just beginning.