Craig Laughlin underwent open-heart surgery on Tuesday morning. The Washington Capitals’ beloved TV analyst made the announcement on social media on Monday night where he also shared a photo of his entire family wearing Locker Strong t-shirts.
“My open heart surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning and I am confident and ready for the challenge,” Laughlin wrote. “From me and my entire family, thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. #LockerStrong❤️”
The multi-hour procedure at MedStar Washington Hospital Center was to repair a bicuspid aortic valve and a blocked left anterior descending artery.
“I’m focused on it, I want to meet it head on, I’m optimistic and confident that I’m going to return better than I was right now,” Laughlin said in January.
Laughlin received support during his procedure all over social media, including from Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who threw on one of the Locker Strong shirts and flexed for the camera. “#LockerStrong ❤️,” the Capitals wrote.
#LockerStrong ❤️ https://t.co/q52gXBCRmc pic.twitter.com/5Ko4BZxyDf
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 4, 2025
Ovechkin’s support is notable as Laughlin has cited the Capitals captain’s chase of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record as motivation to get him back to the TV booth this season if he feels up to it. At the time of Laughlin’s surgery, Ovechkin has 877 goals and is on pace to tie The Great One on April 6 and pass him on April 12.
“I just want [everyone] to know I love and cherish what I do,” Laughlin said when first announcing his condition. “I look forward to the great run that the Caps are going to have the rest of the season. I hope to be back by then, Joe, to enjoy the playoffs and a long run, the Great 8 Chase, the 50th anniversary. I’m going to battle my butt off to return as soon as I can.”
This morning, Courtney Laughlin, Craig’s daughter, responded to Ovechkin’s gesture from the hospital.
“Thank you to the entire Capitals organization for the outpour of love and support,” Courtney Laughlin said. “It’s been incredibly overwhelming and this is just one more example of how lucky we are to be a part of this #ALLCAPS family. This picture truly touched my heart.”
Alan May, who has been filling in for Craig in the TV booth, also posted a photo with workers at Life Guard Imaging, who collectively held up signs that combined to say Locker Strong. The Tampa-based business is where Laughlin first learned something was amiss.
The entire Life Guard Imaging family is sending strength and love to Craig Laughlin, the voice of the Washington @capitals as he undergoes open heart surgery ❤️
Craig’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection. His scan with us revealed critical information, allowing for timely intervention and ultimately saving his life. We’re so grateful we could be a part of his story.
Tonight, as the Capitals take the ice, we’ll be cheering Craig on by joining his wife, Linda, in spirit with the “Locker Strong” movement ❤️🏒
We’re with you, Craig!
Capitals PA announcer Wes Johnson, who also just survived a terrifying medical emergency, wrote on X, “You’re an incredibly good man Craig Laughlin. Kind, funny, smart and generous of spirit. In short, you are ALL heart. Unleash the Healing my friend. Let’s you and I get back healthy and strong to what we do best. Cheers~ ❤️🩹”
From everyone at RMNB, we’re wishing you, Craig, and the rest of your family, all the best both in your surgery and your recovery. #LockerStrong.
8:13 pm update: Laughlin’s open-heart surgery was a success and he’s now in ICU recovering.
Craig Laughlin stable and recovering after successful open-heart surgery
