Photo: Tori Hartman
Washington Capitals Prospect Kevin Elgestal played in just 25 games this season with his home club, HC Vita Hasten Mustangs of the Swedish league, before a season-ending injury brought his 2016-2017 campaign to a premature end. NoVa Caps caught up with Elgestal on Tuesday, to check-in on the progress of his recovery.
Elgestal broke his thumb during a team practice on January 21st after some feisty play along the boards. The injury came just eight days after Elgestal registered his first hat trick for Vita Hasten.
The injury required surgery and a rather lengthy recovery period. Kevin’s first day back to shooting and stick handling was on Tuesday (March 28th), although his thumb is still in a plastic cover. Kevin told NoVa Caps “it’s been tough”, but he expects the remaining cast to be removed in a week, and for full rehab to continue over the summer.
The injury also prevented any return trip to Hershey this season for Elgestal. Kevin reported to Hershey for two weeks in 2016, before exercising his option to return home to Sweden.
Elgestål, 20, from Gothenburg, Sweden, was drafted in the 7th round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft (194th overall) by the Capitals.
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By Jon Sorensen
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