Capitals’ Pierre-Luc Dubois Faces Long Recovery After Surgery

The Washington Capitals will be without their top centre, Pierre-Luc Dubois, for a significant period following surgery to address injuries to his adductor and abdominal muscles. The team announced on November 5, 2023, that Dubois is expected to be sidelined for three to four months as he begins his recovery process.

Dubois suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the New York Islanders in early November. After a faceoff against Jean-Gabriel Pageau, he collapsed on the ice, experiencing severe pain and was unable to rise without assistance. Teammates helped him off the ice, and he proceeded directly to the team’s locker room. Since that incident, Dubois has not participated in any games.

At 27 years old, Dubois has faced challenges this season, having previously missed time due to another lower-body injury. He has yet to register a point in the six games he played prior to his latest injury, averaging just 15:32 of ice time per game. Last season, he achieved a career-high with 20 goals and 46 assists, totaling 66 points.

Since being drafted third overall in 2016, the native of Ste-Agathe-Des-Monts, Quebec, has accumulated 165 goals and 243 assists, leading to a total of 408 points over 604 games played with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and now the Capitals.

As of the latest update, the Capitals hold a record of 7-7-1 and sit outside the playoff picture with 15 points in 15 games this season. The team will need to adapt quickly to Dubois’ absence as they strive to improve their standing in the league.

The Capitals will be looking to other players to step up in Dubois’ absence as they continue their quest for playoff contention in the coming months.