The former Rangers and Capitals netminder will return to the crease on Nov. 12.
The former Rangers and Capitals netminder will return to the crease on Nov. 12.
Following a monumental career, number retirement and Hockey Hall of Fame induction, Henrik Lundqvist didn't necessarily think he'd put on the pads again. But in mid-November, he'll hit the ice for a special occasion and play for the first time since having taken part in preliminary skates with the Washington Capitals.
Lundqvist, who was forced to retire due to a heart condition, will return to play for the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic on Nov. 12. He will also join several former Capitals, including Adam Oates, Peter Bondra, Mike Gartner, Mike Green and Craig Anderson, as famous goal-scorers and playmakers square off against one another.
"It's a special occasion," Lundqvist wrote on X. "Probably smart to start stretching."
Lundqvist had spent the entirety of his career with the New York Rangers as their starting netminder, bringing the team close to the Stanley Cup and racking up 459 victories, the sixth-most in NHL history. His .918 save percentage also ranks 11th all-time, and his No. 30 now hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden.
In the 2020 offseason, Lundqvist was bought out by New York and subsequently signed a one-year contract with the Capitals. Though he had come to D.C. and had been prepping for the season, he never got to play due to his heart condition. He underwent aortic valve replacement surgery and ultimately hung up the pads.
The game will not be available to stream and will take place at Scotiabank Arena. Tickets are on sale here, and the game will be covered live on Instagram and X.