Brooks Orpik will be absent from the Washington Capitals lineup for four to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Orpik hasn’t participated in a game since October 27th.
INJURY UPDATE | Brooks Orpik underwent a successful outpatient arthroscopic surgical procedure on his right knee and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks #ALLCAPS https://t.co/XpUg8S6CPn
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 20, 2018
Capitals Defenseman Brooks Orpik Injured
The Capitals announced Tuesday that defenseman Orpik is set to miss four to six weeks. He will be recovering from a successful outpatient arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Orpik, who was absent for the past ten games, was eligible to be activated off of the long-term injured reserve for Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Initially, Orpik was labelled as “day-to-day.” The exact nature and extent of his injury weren’t addressed, but head coach Todd Reirden stated he was skating on his own before the surgery. Prior to the injury, the veteran was averaging 16:18 minutes of ice time over ten games this season. He owns one goal and one assist for two points.
Over his 16-year NHL career, Orpik has put up 17 goals and 170 assists for a total of 187 points in 992 games.
Orpik made his way back to Washington after being moved to the Colorado Avalanche in the off-season along with goaltender Philipp Grubauer. Shortly after, he returned to the Capitals on a one-year, $1 million contract after being bought out.
What this means for the future
As a result of Orpik’s absence, Madison Bowey will likely see more game time. Bowey has already made some impressive strides this season with the Capitals and notched three assists.
Jonas Siegenthaler could also see more play at the NHL level. Since being recalled from the Hershey Bears on November 9th, he has skated in two games with the team.
Main Photo: TORONTO, ON – APRIL 19: Brooks Orpik #44 of the Washington Capitals skates against Brian Boyle #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 19, 2017, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Capitals defeated the Maple Leafs 5-4 to even series 2-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
