Capitals’ Hagelin In Good Spirits At Wizards Game With Wilson, TVR After Surgeries In March

The Washington Capitals saw encouraging news at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, as forward Carl Hagelin was out and about and appeared to be in good spirits at a Washington Wizards game.

Hagelin attended the game with teammates Tom Wilson, who turned 28 on Tuesday, and Trevor van Riemsdyk, who is currently recovering from an upper-body injury.

On March 1, Hagelin took a high stick to his left eye during competition drills at the end of practice. He left the ice in visible pain and would undergo surgery for what general manager Brian MacLellan called a “serious” eye injury. Hagelin is on the long-term injured reserve and is also out indefinitely. MacLellan also said in early March that Hagelin would be undergoing a second surgery in the month.

“It’s really tough without Carl. Every guy is feeling it in there,” head coach Peter Laviolette said of the Swede. “He’s such an important part of our team in the room and on the ice, so we miss him. You take a guy like that out of the lineup, and you’re going to feel it.”

S/O to @CarlHagelin, @TvanRiemsdyk6, and @tom_wilso for showing support tonight!#DCAboveAll | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/02tIFJfmnW

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 29, 2022

Through 53 games this season, Hagelin dished three goals and 11 assists, along with 32 hits, 12 blocks and a +/- rating of plus-10. He was also a top penalty killer and utility player who helped drive pressure on the forecheck on the powerhouse fourth line alongside Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway.

With Hagelin out, Washington called up Axel Jonsson-Fjallby from the Hershey Bears to help fill the void. The Capitals also brought in Johan Larsson at the trade deadline to have another option to take over for No. 62.

Hagelin has also been around at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. There is no definitive timetable for his return yet.