Lundqvist joined the "NHL @TheRink" podcast this week at the NHL offices in New York, one block away from Madison Square Garden, and during a 20-minute chat gave his thoughtful perspective on the impact the jersey number retirement is having on him.
"I've had an opportunity to think about so many things about my career and kind of relive it a bit," Lundqvist said. "I have had friends reaching out, former teammates. It makes you realize that I'm so grateful for the whole journey. I don't know how to explain it, but all the friendships, all the memories we created together as teams but also with the fans, that's something that I relive right now and it makes me smile every time. It feels really good."
The ceremony for Lundqvist, who played all 15 of his NHL seasons for the Rangers, will take place before New York's game against the Minnesota Wild (8 p.m. ET; NHLN, MSG+, BSN, NHL LIVE).
**IN SWEDISH: [Lundqvist's twin brother Joel on what makes Henrik tick]
After the Rangers bought out his contract following the 2019-20 season, Lundqvist signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals, but a heart issue prevented him from playing. He announced his retirement on Aug. 20.
Lundqvist said he's been impressed with what the Rangers are doing now with Igor Shesterkin as their No. 1 goalie. They are first in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points.
"Back when they told me they were going to do a rebuild this is what I was picturing, the only difference is I was going to be a part of it myself," Lundqvist said. "That was my plan. The way I was feeling physically my plan was to play until I was 41 or 42. If I had that chance I would do it because I still love the game. I have my moments where I'm like, 'Its too bad I didn't get a chance to play more but then pretty quickly I move into the I'm pretty grateful phase with what I have not what I didn't get.'
"I feel so connected to the organization and I will always feel connected, it doesn't matter if I work at 33rd Street or not. I will always feel connected because they were such a big part of my life, an important piece of my life for such a long time."
Following the interview with Lundqvist, co-hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn P. Roarke look at the important storylines happening in the NHL.
They talk about Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle breaking Doug Jarvis' NHL ironman record by playing in his 965th consecutive game Tuesday. They also talk about the next steps for the Flyers, who have lost 13 consecutive games.
Rosen and Roarke dive into a discussion on the Detroit Red Wings and what general manager Steve Yzerman might do leading up to the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline on March 21. And they give a tribute to former New York Islanders forward Clark Gillies, the Hockey Hall of Famer who died Friday. He was 67 years old.
The NHL @TheRink podcast is free and listeners can subscribe on all podcast platforms. It is also available on NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts and the NHL app.
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