Capitals' Carl Hagelin out indefinitely with eye injury

The 28-18-9 Washington Capitals began Wednesday sitting in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division standings but have recently been in headlines for much different reasons amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to captain Alex Ovechkin's long-time support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Coach Peter Laviolette shared bad news about the team's on-the-ice matters when he told reporters Wednesday that winger Carl Hagelin is out indefinitely due to a left eye injury he suffered when he was accidentally struck with a stick during Tuesday's practice. Hagelin wasn't available for Wednesday's session, and his status beyond Thursday's game versus the Carolina Hurricanes is in question. 

"I think any time you have an eye injury, there's a concern," Laviolette explained, as noted by Tom Gulitti of the NHL's website. "First and foremost, there's a concern for him and just his well-being. It's unfortunate when something like that happens." 

"And then secondly, with regard to our team, he's certainly a player that we're going to miss," Laviolette continued. "He's counted on for a lot of different roles. That line has been excellent. I think he's one of the top penalty killers in the league. And so when you take a piece like that out of your lineup, you're going to feel it and somebody else is going to have to step up."

Per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), it's unclear if Hagelin will require surgery to repair the issue. 

Across 53 games this season, Hagelin recorded three goals and 11 assists before the setback. 

"We were just doing some competition drills and a stick came up," forward T.J. Oshie said about Hagelin's injury. "Obviously, concerned for him. It looked very uncomfortable for him and the team is working on him. We've got a good staff in there and good [doctors], so hopefully it's a quick fix. But we're definitely thinking about him right now." 

After Thursday, the Capitals host the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.