Henrik Lundqvist is scheduled to undergo open heart surgery, the 38-year-old netminder announced Monday morning.
Lundqvist signed for the Washington Capitals this offseason, but he announced Dec. 17 that a heart condition would keep him out of the upcoming season. Last week, general manager Brian MacLellan said Lundqvist has dealt with a heart condition “all along,” but Lundqvist had managed that condition and had played through it.
During a physical with Washington, however, the medical staff looked further into the condition. The more testing done, the better understanding Lundqvist had of the risk involved, leading to his decision to step away from hockey for the season.