Hockey Hall of Famer spreads awareness about heart disease that forced early retirement

In late 2020, Henrik Lundqvist had some gas left in the tank and was ready to don an unfamiliar hockey sweater to extend his career a little further.

After spending 15 seasons with the New York Rangers, “King Hank” signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals ahead of the 2020-2021 season.

However, with one month left until the start of the season, Lundqvist underwent open heart surgery in January 2021 due to a leaky aortic valve.

Lundqvist returned to training a month later, but surgery did not cure his heart problem. As he prepared to return to the ice with the Caps, Lundqvist felt “angry” inside. He was eventually diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis, which left him with “severe pain that affected my daily life.”

Knowing the risks, he decided to call it a career.

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“It definitely didn't end the way I had planned. … It's a big day to make that decision,” Lundqvist said of his decision to hang up his pads in a recent interview. He told FOX News Digital.

Lundqvist was certainly nearing the end of his career, but he didn't end it by choice. As he says, “The first year after retiring was tough.”

But nearly four years after the surgery, Lundqvist considers the diagnosis to be a blessing in disguise, in some ways.

Looking back, Lundqvist knows he only intended to wear Ranger blue.

“I had no intention of continuing to play,” said Lundqvist, who works as an analyst for MSG Network and TNT. “My last game was as a Ranger. That's what it all meant. It was,” he said.

Although it was difficult to end his career in such an involuntary way, the 42-year-old told Fox News Digital that he is “at peace” with his decision.

“Instead of wishing for more, I looked back and was extremely grateful for everything I experienced on the ice, and for what the game of hockey has given me, the memories, the friendships, and just a great passion. It really guided me through life.'' I felt so grateful for my career and what I got to do. It was truly a life reset. ” he said.

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist waves to fans after defeating the Colorado Avalanche on February 11, 2017 at Madison Square Garden. The win marked Lundqvist's 400th career NHL win. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)

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It's going to be a nightmare on the ice considering he's still dealing with some scary moments.

The Hockey Hall of Famer said he has been “limited” when it comes to physical activity and has experienced “four or five relapses” since his open-heart surgery, including this past summer. His pericarditis doesn't heal quickly.

“At that moment, I didn't know if it was the right decision. But looking back, I realize how many times I've had relapses and how it's affected my life. When I think about it, I know it was the right decision. So I feel like, “Good,'' Lundqvist said.

More than four years after his last NHL game, Lundqvist is taking the opportunity to tell his story. The Rangers legend, whose number 30 hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, has partnered with Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals for the latest 'Life DisRPted' campaign to raise awareness about pericarditis. .

“Pericarditis has had a huge impact on my life. I had to retire. But it has also affected how active I can be since retiring and the setbacks and It has affected my life in terms of relapse, and I thought it was a great opportunity to spread awareness through this campaign,” Lundqvist said.

Former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist speaks to the crowd during a jersey number retirement ceremony before the game at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

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“I've had a lot of great conversations with their team about how to reach people. A lot of people live with this problem, but maybe they don't have a good plan. That's our goal with this campaign, to really educate people and realize that many people may not know they have RP. I didn't know what was happening. It was very painful and it was affecting my daily life. Getting diagnosed is step one, but from there you need to plan accordingly.”

“That resonates with me,” he added. “No matter who you are, athlete or not, your life can change forever. But how do you find happiness and strength in that moment? I think the key is how we react and how we respond.''I don't know if I feel a responsibility, but it's an opportunity to help people. ”

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