Washington Capitals’ Fehervary Discusses Missing Olympic Qualifiers After Injury

As Martin Fehervary continues his journey to making the Washington Capitals’ main roster, he will have to overcome an obstacle in the form of an injury.

Before training camp, Fehervary was set to lace ’em up for Slovakia in the 2021 men’s final Olympic qualification tournament. However, according to sport.sk, he suffered a “minor muscle injury which requires a week’s break” (translated via Google Translate). Martin Bucko replaced him at the tournament.

The 21-year-old defenseman also shared his thoughts and more on what happened in an interview with sport.sk.

“On Sunday, like the other guys, I came to a meeting and was injured in training,” Fehervary said (translated via Google Translate). “I can only say that the problem is in the lower part of the body. It’s not serious, even though I [have to have an] MRI. I felt I couldn’t help the team this week.”

The 2018 second-rounder has been training on and off the ice over the course of the summer, and there are high hopes for him heading into 2021-22. Craig Ramsay, the head coach for Slovakia, expected Fehervary to play a major leadership role for the national team in this tournament. All the while, the Capitals appear ready for him to make the full-time transition to the NHL to help fill Brenden Dillon’s void.

READ MORE ON WHN: What Role Will Martin Fehervary Play With The Washington Capitals In 2021-22

Fehervary told sports.sk that he tried to work out following the injury, but said that he “couldn’t skate properly.”

“I already know my body and I know what I can afford,” Fehervary said.

The 21-year-old is coming off a strong sophomore season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears. In 24 games, he dished three goals and 17 points and was a plus-10. Fehervary also led all Bears blueliners with at least 13 GP with .71 points per game and was second in assists. In 2019-20, Fehervary played in six games with Washington, picking up an assist and a plus/minus rating of minus-2. Overall, he’s proving to be a strong two-way blueliner who can be a physical presence and also get involved offensively.

Fehervary added in the interview that Washington is aware of the injury. He now looks to be 100 percent ready for the start of 2020-21. The Capitals’ preseason begins on Sept. 26 vs. the Boston Bruins, and the regular season kicks off on Oct. 13 with a showdown against the New York Rangers.

“I want to get together in the first place to be ready for the season,” Fehervary noted.