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(Reuters) - Washington
Capitals goalie Henrik Lundqvist is to undergo open heart
surgery, he said on Monday
The 38-year-old Swede, who enjoyed huge success with the New
York Rangers before signing with the Capitals in October, had
previously announced he would sit out the upcoming NHL season
due to a heart condition.
"Last 3 weeks my focus has shifted from training camp and the
upcoming season to my health and what I can and can't do,"
Lundqvist posted on Twitter.
"Scheduled for an open heart surgery now - aortic valve
replacement, aortic root and ascending aortic replacement, to be
more exact.
"We all have our mountains to climb. Staying positive here and
set on the road to recovery."
The Rangers bought out the final year of Lundqvist's contract in
September, ending the Swede's 15-season run as the face of the
NHL's most valuable franchise. He later signed a one-year, $1.5
million contract with the Capitals.
"The Capitals and the entire hockey world are with you Hank, and
wish you a speedy recovery," the Capitals wrote on Twitter.
Lundqvist holds over 50 Rangers franchise records, including the
all-time mark for wins, appearances by a goalie, shutouts,
playoff appearances and playoff wins.
Known as "The King", Lundqvist also won the Vezina Trophy as the
NHL's best goaltender for the 2011-12 season and was a finalist
for the award in four other years.
Lundqvist, who helped Sweden claim the Olympic gold medal in
2006, has earned more career NHL wins (459) than any other
non-North American born goaltender and reached the 400-win mark
faster than any other goaltender.
Lundqvist's playing time decreased last season with the
emergence of rookie Igor Shesterkin.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond)
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