Henrik Lundqvist announced his retirement on Friday – and soon after, the New York Rangers, the only team he officially played for, announced that his No. 30 will head to the rafters of Madison Square Garden sometime in the 2021-22 season.
The official Rangers release:
“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.”
Lundqvist, 39, announced Friday that he is officially calling it quits after missing the entire 2021 season due to a heart issue.
Lundqvist was a seventh-round pick of the Rangers in 2000 and debuted in 2006, and over 14 seasons on Broadway, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in in wins (459), saves (23,509), shutouts (64) and minutes played (51,818), and his .918 save percentage is 10th-best in NHL history.
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The five-time All-Star, 2012 Vezina Trophy Winner, and two-time Olympic medalist signed with Washington for the 2020-21 season, but did not play after undergoing heart surgery.
Now, King Henrik’s No. 30 will become the 11th retired number in the rafters at MSG, and he will be the third goaltender – behind Ed Giacomin and Mike Richter – to earn the honor.
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