New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist waves to the crowd
(Photo credit: @NYRangers/ Twitter).

Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist won’t be playing for the Washington Capitals this season due to a heart condition. The veteran goaltender announced the news in a social media post Thursday Afternoon.

“It breaks my heart (literally) to share this news”, Lundqvist Tweeted.

Here’s what his note reads:

“I will not be joining the Capitals this upcoming season. After many weeks of tests and conversations with specialists around the country, it’s been determined that a heart condition will prevent me from taking the ice. Together, we have decided that the risk of playing before remedying my condition is too high, so I will spend the coming months figuring out the best course of action.

For the past two months, I’ve been so inspired by the opportunity to play in DC and committed to my game. Spending every day at the rink to prepare for the upcoming season. The news was very difficult to process but after the last test result earlier this week, we knew there was only one way to go from here.

I want to thank the entire Capitals organization for not only giving me this opportunity but also for their support throughout this challenging time. I will take the next few weeks to be with my family and I’ll be back to share the next steps.”

Here’s the video from the Washington Capitals social media that features a message from Henrik:

Lundqvist signed a one-year a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Capitals in October after spending 15 seasons with the New York Rangers. The Rangers bought out Lundqvist’s contract at the end of last season and are beginning a new chapter with young Russian goalie Igor Shesterkin in the crease.

The signing of Lundqvist by Washington was done to help the team soften the loss of previous starting goalie Braden Holtby, who was signed by the Canucks in free agency. Lundqvist was expected to be a mentor and a veteran backup to 23-year-old Washington starting goalie Ilya Samsonov.

Lundqvist became a New York legend in his time with the Rangers, posting a 459-310-96 record with .918 save percentage and 64 shutouts in 887 career games. He captured the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goalie, in 2011-12 and finished as a finalist in four other seasons.

Wishing all the best for King Hank.