Henrik Lundqvist awaiting confirmation as to whether or not he will be cleared to return

The hockey world was shocked to learn of veteran netminder Henrik Lundqvist's heart condition, for which he underwent open-heart surgery to repair in January. If you were a betting man, I don't think you would have put money on a return for the future Hall-of-Famer, but when videos surfaced of Lundqvist back on the ice just weeks after his surgery, it became very apparent that "The King" was not finished playing pro hockey.

After being bought out by the New York Rangers in the offseason - the team he spent his entire career with - Lundqvist was signed to a one-year deal by the Washington Capitals to play mentor to young Caps netminder Ilya Samsonov this season. A short time later, Lundqvist announced that he would not play this season, instead electing to undergo the surgical procedure to repair his heart issue.

A few weeks ago, there was a rumour circulating that Lundqvist could be working toward return as early as the end of this season. Well, late Tuesday evening, the word was out that a return to action this season may just be the in the cards for Lundqvist after all.

According to Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli, Lundqvist is set on continuing his career in the NHL and is working with a team of medical specialists to determine what his limitations will be and whether he will be cleared to return to action as soon as this season. What's even more encouraging is that the Caps aren't dismissing the possibility of his return in 2020-21.

"Henrik Lundqvist has very quietly continued to skate, he is intent on resuming his career after undergoing open-heart surgery so long as his health allows," Seravalli reported on Insider Trading on Tuesday. "He's awaiting word from doctors this week, a critical appointment that will determine his near-term and long-term future. The Washington Capitals, while everything would have to go right, aren't ruling out a return for Henrik Lundqvist this season."

If true, this would be the mother of all comeback stories in 21st century hockey. To think that just 3 months ago, the man lay on a table with his chest open and his heart exposed, being operated on to repair an issue that he had likely had for his entire life.. from then to now, when he could just be weeks away from strapping up the pads and pulling a Capitals jersey over his head - it's truly astonishing.

Fingers crossed for good news and that Hank is given a clean bill of health and is cleared to return to action. It seems only fitting that such a remarkable career could also potentially contain such a remarkable comeback story.

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