Entertainment Sports NHL Legend Henrik Lundqvist, 39, Retires Due to Heart Issues: 'It's Time to Walk Away' The New York Rangers will immediately retire Henrik Lundqvist's jersey following his 15 seasons with the team By Jason Hahn Jason Hahn Jason Hahn is a former Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. He started at PEOPLE's Los Angeles Bureau as a writer and reporter in 2017 and interviewed the likes of Kobe Bryant, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Brady. He has a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 20, 2021 02:16PM EDT Photo: Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty After 15 years, NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist is leaving the game he loves. "For the last 30 years, I have devoted my life to the game of hockey ... and now it's time to walk away from the game I love and begin a new chapter," the 39-year-old announced in a statement on social media on Friday. "The future excites me," he added. "I've met so many amazing people over the years that will help to guide and inspire me in my new journey." According to ESPN, Lundqvist underwent open-heart surgery in January. Speaking to the New York Post, Lundqvist said he planned to continue his career until he experienced ongoing health issues. He previously played 15 seasons with the New York Rangers before signing a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals for 2020-2021, but never played for the team. Blackhawks Hall of Fame Goalie Tony Esposito Dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 78: 'A Legend' PHOTO: Emilee Chinn/Getty PHOTO: Paul Bereswill/Getty "I was hoping I would be 100 percent by this time," Lundqvist told the Post. "But I was told that inflammation takes a long time to correct and with medication I might be out of the woods, but it could be another full year before I would be 100 percent." "I came to the conclusion that there are too many unknowns and too much risk for not enough reward for me to keep playing," he explained. Longtime Indy 500 Announcer Bob Jenkins, 73, Dies of Brain Cancer: 'He Was One of Us' In a statement, the Rangers announced they would be retiring Lundqvist's No. 30 jersey during the upcoming season. Typically, it can take years for a club to retire a player's number after their retirement. "It is with mixed emotions that the New York Rangers offer our best wishes and heartfelt gratitude to Henrik Lundqvist on the announcement of his retirement," the team said. "Henrik's commitment to excellence made him one of the best goaltenders to ever play the game of hockey, and we are so fortunate to have witnessed his greatness firsthand for 15 years." RELATED VIDEO: Texas Hockey Coach, 29, Dies from Coronavirus Complications Just Days After First Feeling Unwell "As we congratulate Henrik on an extraordinary career and a lasting legacy of success, charity and character, we are honored to announce that we will retire his number and raise his jersey to the rafters at an upcoming game this season," the Rangers announced. Lundqvist ends his career with the sixth-most wins in NHL history, according to ESPN, having played in 130 postseason games.