Henrik Lundqvist has announced that he is putting the picking glove on the shelf.
It was in mid-December that the Swedish star goalkeeper told that he suffered a heart defect where he then had to undergo a subsequent operation.
It was then unclear if and when today 39-year-old Lundqvist would come back in between the posts, before he now made the decision to quit.
"Sweden's best goalkeeper in the NHL"
The former big back, Nicklas Lidström, pays tribute to his countryman after the message that Lidström himself understands that Lundqvist takes even if it has been difficult.
- It was a bit understandable that he decides not to continue.
He had heart problems last season and is starting to get a little older this fall.
But it is also a bit of a shame that it would end like this, says Lidström and continues:
- But looking back, Henke has had a fantastic career.
He has been involved in a lot, won a lot and been Sweden's best goalkeeper away in the NHL.
Olympic gold in Turin
Lidström and Lundqvist have many fond memories together in the Swedish national team.
Not least from the Olympic Games in Turin in 2006 where they were part of the team that won Olympic gold after the final victory over Finland.
- The strongest memory with Henke is from Turin.
Especially the saves he makes at the last minute when Finland presses and has taken out the goalkeeper in the final.
- I myself am on the ice and am very close to the situation when he makes a fantastic save.
It is a strong memory and then of course the celebration afterwards when we get to come home to Stockholm and celebrate together.
What has "Henke" meant for Swedish hockey?
- He has meant a lot.
Especially when you look at how long his career has been and how successful he has been.
Especially in the NHL but also in Tre Kronor.
He has been with the national team for a long time and has meant a great deal to Swedish ice hockey.
"Relief and a little sadness"
Nicklas Lidström himself ended his career after the 2011/12 season.
By then, he had won the Stanley Cup four times and been named the NHL's best fullback on seven occasions.
But all careers come to an end, so does Lidströms.
He says that he remembers the feeling that Lundqvist feels now after he has made this decision.
- It is both a kind of relief and at the same time a little sad when your career is over.
Henke has had a long career and has been at the top of the world for a long time.
It is sad when the decision is made, but I think he will be able to look back and feel a great pride in his career and everything he has been through and won, Lidström concludes.