Henrik Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist has officially retired, his number will be retired this season

Posted on by Adam Rotter in Henrik Lundqvist

10:52AM: The Rangers have released the following statement:

“It is with mixed emotions that The New York Rangers offer our best wishes and heartfelt gratitude to Henrik Lundqvist on the announcement of his retirement. Henrik’s commitment to excellence made him one of the best goaltenders to ever play the game of hockey, and we are so fortunate to have witnessed his greatness firsthand for 15 years. As we congratulate Henrik on an extraordinary career and a lasting legacy of success, charity and character, we are honored to announce that we will retire his number and raise his jersey to the rafters at an upcoming game this season.

Henrik is, and always will be, a Ranger.”

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9:19AM: Henrik Lundqvist has announced his retirement from hockey.

Lundqvist made the announcement at a press conference in Sweden.  (Rylander)

Lundqvist told Larry Brooks that he was intending to return, after missing last season because of heart surgery, but issues with inflammation prevented it. (NY Post)

Lundqvist told Brooks that he knows he will “reconnect” with James Dolan at “some point” and added “If I’m involved at some point with the Rangers, it would be beautiful in my mind. But I don’t know if now is the time.” (NY Post)

Adam Rotter: I was never going to bet against Henrik Lundqvist finding a way to return to the NHL, but this always seemed like the most likely outcome. It’s the second time in the last year that we have said goodbye to Lundqvist, first when he was bought out, and now that he is officially retiring.

There isn’t much left to be said. He’s the greatest goalie in Rangers history, a first ballot Hall of Famer and his #30 will hang from MSG at some point in the near future. He was the backbone and most important player on the Rangers for nearly his entire career, carried them through the season, carried them through the playoffs and was the reason they had as much success as they did. He doesn’t end up winning the Stanley Cup as a player, but he will get more chances at getting a ring, and probably, his name on the Cup when he eventually joins the Rangers in a front office role.