Capitals Share Update On Carlson, Out ‘Long Term’ After Shot To Face

The Washington Capitals got some more tough news on the injury front on Tuesday, as No. 1 defenseman John Carlson has gone on the injured reserve and will be out "long term" after a scary incident that saw him take a puck to the face on Friday against the Winnipeg Jets.

Head coach Peter Laviolette provided a further update on No. 74 following the Capitals' morning skate prior to their Tuesday tilt with the New York Rangers. The two have texted and kept in touch since the incident, and though he's recovering, he's far from ready to lace 'em up. However, he isn't on the long-term injured reserve at this point.

To be on the LTIR, a player must be expected to miss at least 10 games and 24 days, while the IR is only for seven days. However, Laviolette said it will be longer than a week before Carlson draws back in.

"He's doing good. He's out long-term right now and continuing to get looked at by the doctors," Laviolette said in his presser, adding later, "He'll be past day-to-day."

Early in the third period of Friday's 4-1 win over the Jets, Carlson was hit in the right side of the face by a Brenden Dillon slapshot. He immediately fell to the ice and was bleeding profusely from his face. His teammates rushed to get him assistance and the athletic trainer helped him down the tunnel, putting a towel over his face.

The 32-year-old blueliner was then taken to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation. He was discharged on Saturday and has been at home.

READ MORE ON WHN: With John Carlson Out, Erik Gustafsson Becomes Even More Vital For Washington Capitals

Through 30 games this season, Carlson has eight goals and 13 assists (tied for the team lead among defensemen) for 21 points. He was also helping fill in for an injured T.J. Oshie in the bumper spot on the first power-play unit, and he continues to be a key part of the blue line. The news is unwelcome for Washington, which has recently turned its play around following a lackluster start and is in the middle of a tight Metropolitan Division race.

With Carlson out, Lucas Johansen has come up from the AHL's Hershey Bears to provide more blue-line support with Martin Fehervary also recovering from an upper-body injury. Alex Alexeyev will draw into action on Tuesday with Carlson out, while Trevor van Riemsdyk will move to the top pairing.