Photo: NBCS
The Washington Capitals announced on Tuesday afternoon that they have placed defenseman Michal Kempny on injured non-roster, meaning that he will not count against the salary cap and can be activated as soon as he is ready.
#Caps place D Michal Kempny on injured non roster (can be activated when healthy; no minimum game threshold)
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 1, 2019
Head coach Todd Reirden ruled Kempny out for the Capitals’ season opener at the defending Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues on Wednesday (8 PM ET, NBCSN). Kempny said that he will travel with the team on their short two-game road-trip to start off the season.
The fact that the Capitals did not place Kempny on injured reserve does not rule him out for their games at the New York Islanders on Friday and against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
The 29-year old is still recovering from hamstring surgery, which took place on April 2. The estimated recovery time was 4-6 months.
Kempny participated in the team’s training camp but is still wearing a light-blue no-contact jersey. He told the media on Tuesday that he feels like he is almost ready to take on some contact and feeling better every day.
It appears that defenseman Jonas Seigenthaler will skate in Kempny’s spot on the first defensive pairing with John Carlson against the Blues on Wednesday.
Kempny set career-highs with goals (six), assists (19), points (25), and games played (71) last season.
With Kempny out and center Evgeny Kuznetsov’s three-game suspension, the Capitals are currently at the mandated 23-man roster for opening night.
By Harrison Brown
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