Henrik Lundqvist on NY Rangers legacy, business and philanthropy

Henrik Lundqvist, the legendary New York Rangers goaltender, reflected on his journey from Sweden to becoming one of New York's most revered athletes, his transition to post-retirement life, and his approach to business and philanthropy.

Starting Fresh in New York City

Lundqvist arrived in New York City at 23, having already established himself as the best goalie in Sweden with multiple championships. Despite his success, he felt like he had to start over in New York. As a seventh-round draft pick for the Rangers five years prior, he was relatively unknown. He came with an open mind, excited and nervous about the challenge of playing for an Original Six team in a major market like New York, especially at Madison Square Garden.

He acknowledged moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, moving from his safety net in Sweden to the world's number one media market. However, his determination to succeed was stronger. A crucial mental boost came from playing against top NHL players during the 2004 NHL lockout in his final year in Sweden, proving to himself that he could compete at that level. The main challenge then became adapting his style to the smaller North American rinks and faster game.

The NHL Post-Lockout and Its Growth

Lundqvist joined the NHL after the 2004 lockout, a period when the league was rebuilding trust with fans. He noted that players were simply excited to be back on the ice. While some players struggled after a year off, Lundqvist, having played in Europe, maintained his form. He observed the significant growth of hockey since then, transforming into a healthy and profitable sport with franchises now valued in the billions. He attributes this growth to a strong product, enhanced by tournaments like the Four Nations and the Olympics, which draw significant global interest. As a fan, he is thrilled to see the game's increasing popularity, especially outside of Canada.

The Rangers Franchise and Jim Dolan

Lundqvist quickly understood the special nature of the Rangers, an Original Six franchise with over a century of history. He credits Jim Dolan and the organization for prioritizing and celebrating this past, which instills a sense of pride and humility in young players. He described his relationship with Dolan evolving from minimal interaction as a rookie to a deeper connection over shared interests like music.

He expressed immense appreciation for Dolan's leadership, particularly in how he invests in the team, providing top-tier training facilities, travel, and preparation resources. This commitment, Lundqvist believes, gives every player the best opportunity to perform. He also highlighted Dolan's personal generosity and care for his family during his jersey retirement ceremony, a gesture he will always be grateful for.

Transitioning to the Next Chapter

Lundqvist decided halfway through his career that he wanted to remain part of the Rangers ecosystem in some capacity after retirement. A meeting with Jim Dolan solidified this, with Dolan expressing the organization's desire for him to stay involved. This support was deeply meaningful, given his long-term investment in the team.

He now serves as an ambassador for MSG, engaging in various activities from TV commentary to charity events. He finds this new chapter refreshing, enjoying meeting people and experiencing the Garden without the intense pressure of playing. He admits to being more present and social now than during his playing career, still getting goosebumps from the gratitude he feels for the iconic venue.

Building a Post-Playing Career Team

Lundqvist emphasized the importance of building a trusted team early in his career. As a young player, his focus was solely on the game, leaving financial and business matters to his team. He has worked with his business manager, Adam Campbell, for 17 years, a consistency that has been crucial as his life became more complex with family, schools, and investments.

When evaluating new opportunities, especially in a city like New York with countless options, Lundqvist finds it more important to say "no" than "yes." His decision-making process often involves betting on the person running the venture rather than just the product, as he believes execution, starting from the top, is key. While he relies on his gut, Campbell provides the data-driven perspective, forming a balanced team that also includes experts from JP Morgan. He stresses the importance of having people who can find the right answers and connect with the right experts.

Broadcasting and Fan Relationships

As a hockey analyst for TNT, Lundqvist aims to bring his on-ice experience to viewers. He acknowledges that fans will always see him as a "Rangers guy," so he tries to be objective when discussing other teams. His goal is to help viewers understand the mental and situational aspects of the game, explaining why certain plays or "mistakes" happen, rather than just judging them from a replay. He humorously noted that fans in the upper rows or watching from home with replays often feel they have all the answers, while those closer to the action understand its speed and complexity better.

Philanthropy and the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation

Lundqvist's charitable work began early in his career with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which helped him understand the impact athletes can have. He felt a responsibility to give back, especially after experiencing the profound feeling of helping those in tough situations, such as sick children.

He and his wife, Therese, later started the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation to extend their reach, particularly to Sweden. Their strategy involved assembling a strong board with a great network and partnering with established organizations like Presbyterian Children's Hospital in New York, Ronald McDonald House in Sweden, and the Food Bank of New York. They also created the "Young Ambassador Program" to inspire children to engage in philanthropy and experience the rewarding feeling of giving back.