Henrik Lundqvist, 40, is one of Swedish ice hockey’s greatest ever. That was proven not least at the Tidernas Hockey Gala on Thursday evening when Lundqvist took a place in the men’s All Star team and was also praised as the goalkeeper of all time.
In North America, there is also a consensus about Henrik Lundqvist’s status, the Swedish legend is described as a given in next year’s Hall of Fame class.
In such cases, Lundqvist would be selected directly after Daniel Alfredsson and Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
– Very well deserved for all three, says Lundqvist about the past Hall of Fame week when the trio was elected.
– They have meant an incredible amount, not only for Swedish ice hockey but also ice hockey over there in their respective teams. I had the privilege of playing against them for many years, so I know what they were up to.
Are you thinking about the Hall of Fame yourself?
– If it happens, it happens. I had a great finish in New York last year and I’m still kind of living off of it. I am extremely grateful that I got to experience as much as I got to do during my time in the NHL and New York. I can’t say I’ve given much thought to the Hall of Fame.
Double prized at the Times Hockey Gala.
Photo: SIMON HASTEGÅRD / IMAGE AGENCY
Henrik Lundqvist was forced to undergo heart surgery in 2020, which later became the end of his goalkeeping career. When he put the pick and the bump on the famous shelf, he did so as the New York Rangers and Tre Kronor’s greatest goaltender of all time.
He still lives in New York today.
– Life is good. I do a lot of work in Madison Square Garden with television, sponsors and some music. I meet a lot of people who work within the organization, so everything becomes possible, not just ice hockey. Madison Square Garden is a very special place when it comes to entertainment so I get to take part in a lot of what happens there, it feels great.
The Lundqvist family has no thoughts about Sweden at the moment.
– Right now the plan is to be over there, come home in the summers and make a quick visit during Christmas.
You haven’t been asked by Frölunda and your friend Fredrik Sjöström to help there?
– Hehe, no, he knows that we are quite rooted in New York right now. At the same time, you don’t look too far ahead. It’s the here and now that counts, the kids, me and the wife are happy in New York, so that’s where life is at the moment.
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Tags: Henrik Lundqvists announcement moving Sweden
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