Capitals’ Hagelin Out For Extended Period Of Time With Eye Injury

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals will be without Carl Hagelin long-term. Per the team, Hagelin will be out for an extended period of time with an eye injury. He underwent surgery on Tuesday.

Hagelin suffered the injury during competition drills at the end of Tuesday’s practice, where he caught a stick to the left eye. He left the ice in visible pain, holding a towel over his face before being helped to the locker room. Practice went quiet after the incident.

“Obviously concerned for him. It looked very uncomfortable for him… we’re all thinking about him,” T.J. Oshie said.

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Through 53 games this season, Hagelin has three goals and 11 assists. He has been working for most of the season on the fourth line with Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway, and the trio has been arguably the best Capitals combination in 2021-22. Hagelin is also a top penalty killer and utility player for the team.

“I think any time you have an eye injury, there’s a concern. First and foremost, there’s a concern for him and just his well-being,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “It’s unfortunate when something like that happens. And then secondly, with regard to our team, he’s certainly a player that we’re going to miss. He’s counted on for a lot of different roles. That line has been excellent. I think he’s one of the top penalty killers in the league. And so when you take a piece like that out of your lineup, you’re going to feel it, and somebody else is going to have to step up.”

With Hagelin out, Conor Sheary was skating with Dowd and Hathaway. Sheary has subbed in there previously this season.

Joe Snively is also week-to-week, so Washington is down to 11 forwards and may need to make a call-up from Hershey. Peter Laviolette mentioned that Brett Leason and Axel Jonsson-Fjallby could be options. The Bears plays Charlotte on Wednesday.