Photo: Sportsnet
Defenseman Michal Kempny skated with the Washington Capitals’ taxi squad for the first time on Thursday prior to their game against the Boston Bruins (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington) since the team announced he underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon on October 6. The team expected his recovery to take 6-8 months, meaning he may not return during the regular season.
Very loud ovation, stick taps and yells for Michal Kempny, who stepped onto the ice after the Capitals’ morning skate. He is wearing a light blue non-contact jersey. Had surgery on his Achilles in Oct. 2020. pic.twitter.com/9op1c7aa6Z
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) April 8, 2021
Kempny suffered the injury during offseason training.
On April 2, 2019, Kempny underwent core-muscle surgery that kept him out six and a half months.
The 30-year-old recorded three goals, 18 points, and a team-leading +19 rating in 58 regular-season games during the 2019-20 season after missing the first eight while recovering from core muscle surgery that occurred on April 2, 2019.
Someone just pointed this out, I can’t stop laughing. pic.twitter.com/bRI5z4i5la
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) April 8, 2021
Kempny recorded one assist and a -2 rating in five Stanley Cup Playoff games but was a healthy scratch for the final three games of the Capitals’ first-round series against the New York Islanders.
In 232 career NHL games with the Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, the 30-year-old has recorded 14 goals, 61 points, and a +58 rating.
Kempny recorded a 50.35% Corsi-for percentage and a 49.54% expected goals-for percentage this past season.
With the Capitals down to no cap space left, the team would have to figure out a way to make room for Kempny if they plan to play him this season. Left-handed defensemen Brenden Dillon, Dmitry Orlov, Zdeno Chara, and Jonas Siegenthaler are all on the NHL roster and signed through the end of the season. Kempny is currently on long-term injured reserve and carries a $2.5 million cap hit through next season.
By Harrison Brown
