The Washington Capitals suffered a potentially tough blow in a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. Defenceman Michal Kempny went down injured after a collision with Cedric Paquette and did not return to the game. The Capitals announced that he has a lower-body injury, which is going to keep him out for some time.
Michal Kempny’s injury. This did not look good. pic.twitter.com/uVWRORo45v
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) 21. marca 2019
Michal Kempny Injured For The Washington Capitals
Michal Kempny has been one of the best defencemen the Capitals have. Washington acquired Kempny in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks last spring and he helped them on their way to winning the Stanley Cup last year. In the summer, the Capitals re-signed Kempny until the 2021-2022 season with a salary cap hit of $2,500,000 per season.
In his first full season with Washington, the Czech defenceman has been stellar. The 28-year-old blueliner has recorded six goals and 19 assists for 25 points in 71 games disputed over the current campaign. He is averaging 19:11 minutes of the ice time per game and is +22 on the even strength. All those stats are his career-best. Kempny was not drafted, but originally signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016.
What This Means For The Future
If Michal Kempny is out long-term, the Capitals are in trouble. He has been a worthy addition for them during their Stanley Cup run a year ago and he has been even better during the present season. He is experiencing a career year, but suffering the lower-body injury in a scrum with Paquette may slow it down
“It´s safe to say he is going to miss some time,” Head Coach Todd Reirden said following the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Michal Kempny will be tough to replace for Washington right now as he has been a part of the top defensive pair with John Carlson.
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