Lundqvist to undergo open-heart surgery

Washington Capitals goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is scheduled for open-heart surgery, he revealed Monday.

Lundqvist will undergo an aortic valve replacement, as well as an aortic root and ascending aortic replacement.

Earlier in December, the 38-year-old announced he would not play the upcoming season due to a heart condition. Doctors advised him to sit out the campaign after weeks of tests.

The Capitals signed the veteran netminder to a one-year, $1.5-million contract on Oct. 9.

Lundqvist spent his first 15 seasons with the New York Rangers, who bought out the final year of his contract in late September.

He ranks sixth on the NHL's all-time goaltending wins list and holds franchise records in games played, victories, and shutouts.