Washington Capitals left-winger Carl Hagelin met with the media on Sunday morning for the first time since sustaining an eye injury in practice at the beginning of March. The injury ended his season.
Hagelin recounted the injury, saying he took a stick blade directly to his left eye that ruptured the choroid in the back of the eye. He said he’s had two surgeries, the last one about a month ago.
Carl Hagelin said he took a stick blade directly to his left eye and ruptured the choroid in the back of the eye. He’s had two surgeries, the last one about a month ago. He said he won’t get 100 percent of vision back but he’s being optimistic and will work to play next season
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 15, 2022
Hagelin said he’s talked a lot with former Rangers teammate Marc Staal, who returned from serious eye injury. He said Staal always makes him feel optimistic
Hagelin said the injury was scary, and was the most pain he has ever endured. Hagelin also said he won’t get 100 percent vision back but is optimistic and will work to play next season.
Hagelin has two more years remaining on his current deal with the Capitals at $2,750,000 per season.
The Capitals traded for Johan Larsson at the trade deadline to replace Hagelin at left wing on the fourth line.
By Jon Sorensen
What a horrible, freak accident. I’m sure the Caps player that unintentionally whacked Hags feels awful.
No question. I knew someone who suffered a detached retina and it was devastating. There are all kinds of underlying issues at play.
Love you, Hags!
Terrible injury and I cannot imagine someone being medically cleared to play that does not have 100% vision. I am sure that the team has an insurance policy on players to cover situations where they get their salaries if they are injured. Hags did his job well and now needs, like Backy, to look at the future and think about it not about playing again.
Wow, that really sucks…was hoping that Hags wouldn’t be permanently injured, but damn. First and foremost is his health and life after hockey. I don’t know about him coming back without 100% vision in his eye when the game is so fast, but I wish him the best no matter what happens.