Bad news update on Pierre-Luc Dubois - May require surgery

Dubois, 27, had only recently returned from an earlier upper-body injury before leaving Friday's game against the New York Islanders with a lower-body issue.

«It's a huge hole,» Carbery said after practice. «Arguably right up there last year with one of the most valuable and most important players on our roster. I'm not going to sit here and sugarcoat it and say that you can replace him at this point in the year. BUT you still can be a good hockey team and win a lot of hockey games with injuries. That's part of the attrition that you need to be able to handle in this league. So that's what we'll focus on - he's out now and now we'll need other players to step up.»

Dubois has two assists through seven games this season, averaging just under 17 minutes of ice time per night. While the numbers don't pop, his physicality, puck protection, and ability to anchor the middle six were key pieces of Carbery's forward structure.

This marks Dubois's second stint on the sidelines already this year - a frustrating start for Washington's big center. Connor McMichael is expected to remain at center on the second line in his absence, while the Capitals may look to Hershey for short-term depth options.

Here's Sammi Silber's report confirming the long-term status:

For a team already fighting to stay in the playoff mix, losing Dubois for weeks - or longer - is a heavy blow. The challenge now is simple: survive, adjust, and hope their big centerman heals quickly.