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Capitals Say Pierre‑Luc Dubois Out Long Term, Expect Return This Season

Washington plans to cover the vacancy internally with Connor McMichael elevated at center.

Overview

  • Head coach Spencer Carbery said the 27-year-old will miss an extended period with a lower-body injury but is not expected to be out for the year.
  • Surgery remains possible as medical evaluations continue, and Dubois is seeking a second opinion, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
  • Dubois was injured Oct. 31 against the Islanders when Jean‑Gabriel Pageau cross-checked him off a faceoff and his knee buckled, and he was helped to the bench.
  • Carbery called the loss “a huge hole,” noting Dubois’ key shutdown role after a 66-point season, though he has no points in six games this fall.
  • Washington plans to redistribute minutes down the middle to Dylan Strome, McMichael, Nic Dowd and Hendrix Lapierre, with Justin Sourdif and Spencer Smallman among depth options.