Capitals Recall Johansen From Hershey With Carlson Out Indefinitely

The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Lucas Johansen from the AHL’s Hershey Bears with defenseman John Carlson out indefinitely.

Carlson left Friday's 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets after taking a Brenden Dillon shot to the face. He fell immediately to the ice and was bleeding profusely from the right side of his face. His teammates rushed to get him assistance and he was taken down the tunnel with a towel over his face. Carlson was taken to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation and discharged on Saturday.

Johansen has played in two NHL games this season amid a number of injuries on the blue line, racking up three blocks, a takeaway and an even +/- while averaging 12:40 minutes. In three career NHL games, he has one assist. The 25-year-old had eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points in 62 games last season, along with a career-high +/- of plus-20.

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Along with Johansen, Washington also has Alex Alexeyev and Matt Irwin to help fill the void. The Capitals are currently missing two top- defensemen in Carlson and Martin Fehervary, who has been skating in a non-contact jersey after suffering an upper-body injury back on Dec. 3.

Washington returns to game action on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.