Carl Hagelin

Nicklas Backstrom on Henrik Lundqvist being unable to play next season: ‘It’s obviously very sad news’

Henrik Lundqvist was one of the Capitals’ prized signings over the offseason, but weeks later, Hank had sad news to share. On Thursday, the future Hall of Famer announced he would be unable to play next season due to a heart condition.

“Today is a pretty tough and emotional day for me,” Lundqvist said. “For several weeks now, I’ve been undergoing several different tests related to a heart condition and after lots of discussions with doctors around the country and finally receiving the last results this week, I, unfortunately, won’t be unable to join the team this year and [will] continue the process to fix these issues.”

Two Capitals’ players particularly shaken by the news were Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin, who both were looking forward to going into battle with Hank next year. Backstrom has played with Lundqvist on the Swedish National Team, but never in the NHL, while Hagelin was a teammate and one of Hank’s best friends on the Rangers.

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Nicklas Backstrom on Capitals’ signing of Henrik Lundqvist: ‘This is a world class goalie who plays with fire and is an incredible professional’

The Washington Capitals signed Henrik Lundqvist to a one year, $1.5 million deal last week. The future Hall of Fame goaltender is hoping for his Ray Bourque moment in Washington, after being unable to get over the hump for 15 years in New York.

Recently, Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin shared their thoughts on Hank’s signing to several Swedish publications. Both players have been Lundqvist’s teammate before and were really excited to have him in Washington.

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