Longtime New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was gearing up for a new chapter with the Washington Capitals.

However, Lundqvist announced Thursday he will not compete in the 2021 NHL season due to a heart condition.

Lundqvist said he consulted with numerous specialists, and it was eventually determined the risk of playing with the condition was simply too high.

Here's the full statement from Henrik Lundqvist:

It is probably wise for Henrik Lundqvist to err on the side of caution with the coronavirus pandemic still raging on. There are simply too many uncertainties. Plus, athletes in other sports have dealt with heart complications after contracting COVID-19.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez developed myocarditis as a result of contracting the virus, forcing him to miss the entirety of the 2020 MLB season. Rodriguez has since recovered and is even throwing off the mound, but it does not negate the point myocarditis can cause death.

The extent of Henrik Lundqvist's condition is unknown, but there is plenty of precedent for him to take a seat until the issues is remedied.

Then again, it is possible the legendary goaltender will decide to hang up the skates.

The former Vezina Trophy winner had mostly been relegated to a backup role in his final years with the Rangers. New York orchestrated a buyout of Lundqvist earlier this fall, eventually resulting in him signing a one-year deal with the Caps.

Henrik Lundqvist said in his announcement he will take time with his family before sharing “next steps.” If this is indeed the end for the Swede, he will go down as one of the greatest goalies in NHL history.