Washington’s blue line took an abrupt hit Thursday when Vincent Desharnais underwent an appendectomy, sidelining the defenseman for an expected four to six weeks just as Matt Roy returned from injury.
Desharnais leaves a major vacancy
- Desharnais was hospitalized Wednesday night and released Thursday morning after the unexpected surgery. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said the 30-year-old had shown no warning signs before needing his appendix removed.
- The defenseman had been working on Washington’s second pairing alongside Martin Fehervary and has recorded three assists through nine games this season.
- Carbery said Desharnais had been playing well before the medical issue interrupted his season, calling the absence an unfortunate break for both player and club.
- Roy’s return from a lower-body injury softens one concern on the back end, but Carbery stressed that Desharnais had handled an important defensive assignment while Roy was unavailable.
Desharnais had supplied tough minutes at even strength and on the penalty kill, while also providing cover alongside the more offensive-minded Cole Hutson. Carbery described the missing role as a significant one, particularly after Desharnais stepped in effectively during Roy’s absence.
Forward Alex Tuch pointed to Desharnais’ team-leading plus-9 rating as evidence of his steady work. Tuch praised the defenseman’s penalty-killing, physical edge and puck movement, adding that Washington’s skaters will need greater attention to detail to replace what he brought to the lineup.
From seventh-round pick to regular NHL duty
Edmonton selected Desharnais in the seventh round, 183rd overall, at the 2016 NHL Draft. He has since played 227 regular-season games with the Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks and Capitals, posting two goals and 27 assists for 29 points.
He also has three assists across 28 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
Thompson remains day to day
- Goaltender Logan Thompson missed a second consecutive practice Friday with a lower-body injury, though he did skate on his own.
- Thompson was slow getting back to his feet after stopping Artemi Panarin on consecutive chances during Washington’s 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.
- He stayed in that game, but his availability remains uncertain.
- Washington recalled goaltender Mitch Gibson from Hershey of the American Hockey League later Friday.
There was better news among the forwards. Pierre-Luc Dubois, out for five games because of illness, participated fully in practice. Justin Sourdif also completed the session after missing two games with an illness.
The Capitals return to Capital One Arena on Saturday to host the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. ET. The game will air on MNMT and MSG-B.
