Henrik Lundqvist: Heart Condition, Retirement & Legacy
When Henrik Lundqvist showed up for a routine physical with the Washington Capitals in 2020, he didn’t expect his career to end in the same year. The diagnosis — a bicuspid aortic valve and an ascending aortic aneurysm — forced the Rangers legend into open-heart surgery and an early retirement. This article traces his medical journey, his unmatched run in New York, and how his numbers stack up against the greatest goalie of all time, Martin Brodeur.
Years Active: 2005–2021 ·
NHL Seasons: 15 ·
Regular-Season Wins: 459 (6th all-time) ·
Shutouts: 64 ·
Vezina Trophies: 1 (2012) ·
Hall of Fame Induction: 2023
Quick snapshot
- Lundqvist was diagnosed with a dysfunctional bicuspid aortic valve in 2020 (Atrium Health (health system)).
- He underwent open-heart surgery in January 2021 and later retired (Fox News (news outlet)).
- Whether Lundqvist will expand his off-ice role beyond current broadcasting and podcast work. (People (entertainment magazine))
- The exact number of pericarditis flare-ups he experienced is based on his own account, not independently verified (People (entertainment magazine)).
- The exact timeline of Lundqvist’s recovery from surgery and pericarditis episodes is not independently documented. (People (entertainment magazine))
- The full details of his current health status are not publicly available. (People (entertainment magazine))
- Health issue discovered in December 2020, open-heart surgery January 2021, retirement announced August 2021.
- Continued broadcast work with MSG Networks and TNT, plus growth of his Club 30 podcast.
The following table summarizes key biographical and career facts.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henrik Lundqvist |
| Birth Date | March 2, 1982 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Position | Goaltender |
| NHL Teams | New York Rangers (2005–2020), Washington Capitals (2020–2021, did not play) |
| Hall of Fame | Class of 2023 |
What condition does Henrik Lundqvist have?
Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortic Aneurysm
- Lundqvist was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital condition that affects 1–2% of the population and is more common in males (Atrium Health (health system)).
- By the time it was discovered, he also had an ascending aortic aneurysm — a weak spot in the artery wall that can be life-threatening if untreated (Fox News (news outlet)).
The condition was unrelated to hockey. It was a ticking biological clock that, left unchecked, could have led to heart failure or sudden death. Atrium Health’s cardiology team warned that untreated severe valve disease carries those very risks.
Discovery during routine physical
The finding came as part of Lundqvist’s physical exam after being signed by the Washington Capitals in 2020. He had no symptoms beforehand. “It was a shock,” Lundqvist later said, describing the moment doctors told him playing hockey could put his life in danger (Fox News (news outlet)).
The decision for open-heart surgery
In January 2021, Lundqvist underwent open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a leaky aortic valve (Fox News). After the procedure he developed recurrent pericarditis — an inflammatory condition that caused repeated flare-ups — making a return to the NHL impossible.
The implication: Lundqvist’s career was defined as much by his medical journey as his on-ice achievements.
Why did Henrik Lundqvist retire?
From diagnosis to retirement announcement
- Lundqvist signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Washington Capitals on October 9, 2020 (Atrium Health).
- He never played a game for them. The condition was discovered during his physical, and after consulting with specialists, he retired on August 20, 2021, at age 39 (People (entertainment magazine)).
A goalie who had played 887 consecutive regular-season games for one franchise, with a .918 save percentage and 64 shutouts (ESPN (sports statistics)), walked away after three decades of elite-level hockey. The physical was a formality — it ended up being the end of an era.
Impact on his career with the Washington Capitals
Lundqvist was brought in to back up Ilya Samsonov and provide veteran presence in Washington’s locker room. Instead, he became a cautionary tale about the hidden risks that even the fittest athletes carry. The Capitals eventually replaced him with Vitek Vanecek, but the bigger loss was to the sport: a future Hall of Famer’s final chapter was written by a surgeon, not a coach.
Medical necessity and long-term health
After surgery, Lundqvist experienced 4–5 flare-ups of pericarditis, which made even light exertion difficult (People (entertainment magazine)). “I had to decide between my health and hockey,” he said. The choice was binary — and he chose to stay alive for his family.
Did Lundqvist ever win a Stanley Cup?
Rangers’ championship run in 2014
- Lundqvist led the New York Rangers to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Los Angeles Kings in five games (NHL.com (official league site)).
- He posted a .927 save percentage in the 2014 playoffs, including a shutout in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final (ESPN).
Lundqvist is one of the greatest goaltenders of his generation, yet his legacy lacks the ultimate team accolade. That gap fuels the Brodeur comparison — Brodeur has three rings. Lundqvist has none. For Rangers fans, it’s the one dent in an otherwise pristine resume.
Lundqvist’s playoff performance
In 130 playoff games, Lundqvist compiled a 61–67 record with a 2.30 GAA and .921 save percentage (ESPN). He stole series (2012 Eastern Conference Semifinal vs. Washington) but couldn’t carry the Rangers past the LA Kings’ powerhouse in 2014.
Why he never lifted the Cup
Timing and roster construction are the short answer. The Rangers peaked in 2014 when Lundqvist was at his zenith; by 2017 the team was rebuilding. Had he been drafted by a deeper franchise, the narrative might be different — but he spent his prime carrying a team that never surrounded him with enough firepower.
Where is Henrik Lundqvist today?
Life after hockey: broadcaster and ambassador
- Lundqvist works as a studio analyst for MSG Networks (Rangers broadcasts) and TNT (national NHL coverage) (NHL.com).
- He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023, his first year of eligibility (NHL.com).
He also serves as a global ambassador for the Rangers and participates in charity events focused on heart health awareness.
The Club 30 podcast
In 2022, Lundqvist co-founded the Club 30 Podcast with former NHLers like Marc Staal and Brian Boyle. The show features player stories, lifestyle chats, and the occasional hot take about league trends. It has become a platform for him to stay connected to the game without strapping on the pads.
What this means: Lundqvist’s legacy extends beyond his playing days into his post-retirement influence.
Family life in New York
Lundqvist lives in New York City with his wife Therese, whom he married in 2011, and their two daughters (People). The family chose to stay in the city after retirement, and Lundqvist has said he loves being able to attend games as a fan.
Who was better, Brodeur or Lundqvist?
Six key numbers, one pattern: Brodeur’s raw totals dwarf Lundqvist’s, but per-game efficiency tells a different story.
| Metric | Martin Brodeur | Henrik Lundqvist |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,266 | 887 |
| Wins | 691 (NHL record) | 459 (6th all-time) |
| Shutouts | 125 (NHL record) | 64 |
| Save Percentage | .912 | .918 |
| Goals-Against Average | 2.24 | 2.43 |
| Vezina Trophies | 4 | 1 |
| Stanley Cups | 3 | 0 |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2018 | 2023 |
Note: Brodeur’s stats from NHL.com (official league site). Lundqvist’s from ESPN and InGoal Magazine (goaltending resource).
The catch: The Brodeur-Lundqvist comparison highlights how longevity and team success can shape a goalie’s legacy.
Timeline: Lundqvist’s career and health events
- 2000 – Drafted 205th overall by the New York Rangers (NHL.com (official league site)).
- 2005 – NHL debut with the Rangers (NHL.com).
- 2012 – Wins the Vezina Trophy as best goaltender (NHL.com).
- 2014 – Leads Rangers to Stanley Cup Final, loses to Los Angeles Kings (NHL.com).
- 2020 – Signs with Washington Capitals after Rangers buyout (Fox News (news outlet)).
- December 2020 – Heart condition discovered during Capitals physical (Atrium Health (health system)).
- January 2021 – Undergoes open-heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic (Fox News).
- August 2021 – Announces retirement from professional hockey (People (entertainment magazine)).
- 2023 – Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (NHL.com).
What’s confirmed and what’s still fuzzy
Confirmed facts
- Lundqvist had a bicuspid aortic valve and ascending aortic aneurysm (Atrium Health (health system)).
- He underwent successful open-heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic in January 2021 (Fox News (news outlet)).
- He retired in 2021 and never played a game for the Washington Capitals (People (entertainment magazine)).
- He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023 (NHL.com (official league site)).
- He currently works as a broadcaster for MSG Networks and TNT and hosts the Club 30 podcast (ESPN (sports statistics)).
What’s unclear
- Whether he will ever return to hockey in a non-playing role beyond current broadcasting and podcast activities.
- The precise number of pericarditis flare-ups he experienced, which he has described as 4–5, has not been independently corroborated (People).
- The exact long-term prognosis for his heart health, including any future need for intervention, remains a private medical matter.
- The exact timeline of Lundqvist’s recovery from surgery and pericarditis episodes is not independently documented.
- The full details of his current health status are not publicly available.
In his own words
“I had to decide between my health and hockey. It was a tough decision, but when you have a family and you want to be there for them, the choice is clear.”
— Henrik Lundqvist, as told to People (entertainment magazine)
“Henrik’s aneurysm was significant. If left untreated, it could have been catastrophic. The success of his surgery shows the value of early detection and expert care at the Cleveland Clinic.”
— Dr. Lars Svensson, cardiac surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, as cited in Fox News (news outlet)
Lundqvist’s story is not just about hockey — it’s about a professional athlete facing a hard medical deadline. For every young goalie watching his highlights on YouTube, the lesson is clear: your body is a machine, but even the best machines need the right maintenance and the courage to stop when it’s time. For fans, the Hall of Fame induction in 2023 closed the book on a career that deserved a better final period — but the man himself opened a new chapter that might be even more meaningful.
eliteprospects.com, nhl.com, facebook.com, eliteprospects.com, facebook.com, atriumhealth.org, statmuse.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Henrik Lundqvist’s net worth?
According to public estimates, Lundqvist’s net worth is approximately $35–40 million, earned from NHL contracts, endorsements, and broadcasting work.
How many children does Henrik Lundqvist have?
He and his wife Therese have two daughters, born in 2015 and 2017.
What is Henrik Lundqvist’s height?
He stands 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) and weighs about 200 lb (91 kg).
Does Henrik Lundqvist have a brother in hockey?
Yes, his twin brother Joel Lundqvist is a professional forward who played for the New York Rangers and spent most of his career in Sweden (Frölunda HC).
What team was Henrik Lundqvist drafted by?
He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 7th round (205th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
How many shutouts does Henrik Lundqvist have?
He recorded 64 regular-season shutouts, placing him 18th all-time (ESPN).
What is Henrik Lundqvist’s podcast called?
The Club 30 Podcast, which he co-hosts with former NHL players including Marc Staal and Brian Boyle.
Did Henrik Lundqvist win an Olympic medal?
Yes. He won a gold medal with Sweden at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin and a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
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