John Carlson left Thursday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators with a lower-body injury.
Carlson departed after taking just nine shifts in the first period, not returning for the rest of the Capitals’ 4-2 victory. How Carlson was injured wasn’t clear during the game, but Caps head coach Spencer Carbery didn’t sound too worried about the veteran rearguard postgame.
“Not overly [concerned],” Carbery said. “We have such a long break here that I think he’ll be fine. I haven’t gotten an update yet, though, but I’m assuming it’s not long-term.”
The Capitals’ matchup with the Predators was their last before the NHL’s break for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Caps don’t play again until they host the Philadelphia Flyers on February 25.
Carlson played 7:03 of ice time before heading to the Capitals’ locker room. He registered the secondary assist on Pierre-Luc Dubois’s first-period goal while also putting one shot on goal and registering two shot blocks.
The 36-year-old defender has 46 points (10g, 36a) in 55 games this year and 17 points (2g, 15a) in his last 17 games. He missed four games earlier this season due to upper-body injuries.
Carlson, who recently became the 21st defenseman in NHL history to record 600 assists, is set to be an unrestricted free agent in July. Capitals general manager Chris Patrick revealed last month that the club and Carlson have begun contract extension talks.
