Screencap: Youtube/Sportsnet
Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary announced back on April 27 that he would not be playing for the Slovakian national team at this year’s IIHF World Championship. The announcement came as somewhat of a surprise, as Fehervary has been a regular participant for the national team, dating back to his time on the junior national teams in 2015-16.
While Fehervary’s absence from the Slovakian national team at this year’s World Championship was a bit of surprise, his reasoning for missing the tournament was not specifically detailed at the time, simply stating he needed rest.
The 23-year-old missed 15 games due to injury last season, with a majority of the games coming in the month of December.
Here’s the hit on Martin Fehervary by Flames winger Milan Lucic in the second period. Fehervary left the ice immediately after and didn’t return. pic.twitter.com/7sXtoojK7n
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) December 4, 2022
“A lot of people don’t know exactly what it was like. I didn’t want to specify anything before the tournament. I had problems with my back, with my discs, and my groin was bothering me all season. But the back was worse,” Fehervary said in a recent interview with Dennik Sport.
“I thought I wouldn’t even finish the last game of the NHL regular season. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even bend forward. That’s why I evaluated that I will skip this year’s championship and get myself together,” added Fehervary.
Fehervary also said he dealt with an elbow injury during the season, but it wasn’t that significant of an injury. “There was something during the year, but it wasn’t that big of a problem. I had a brace on my elbow, but that didn’t limit me.”
Fehervary has taken time away from the game since the Capitals 2022-23 campaign came to a close in mid-April. He spent time traveling with his girlfriend and returned to his favorite hobby of fishing.
It appears Fehervary has fully recovered from his injuries and is fully rested and ready to go for the 2023-24 season. He began workouts earlier this week.
Vacation over for Martin Fehervary. #ALLCAPS [@coach_mato] pic.twitter.com/P4t3nGHE1O
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) June 8, 2023
Fehervary is a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, but said he nor his agent have had discussions about a new deal with the Capitals.
“So far, we have not communicated at all, the club management has not heard from them yet. Last year something started, but then we didn’t get to it. It will probably be a shorter contract, but I have no idea how much and for what time,” said Fehervary. “I’m a restricted free agent and my rights are pretty low. I think I am doing a good job and they are very happy with me at the club. I believe that we will find a common path.”
Fehervary added, “I’m very happy in Washington. I have many friends there even outside of hockey. I know many people from the management, I feel comfortable there.”
By Jon Sorensen
Get well, Marty!
The Party is back!
Graham LeSaux, who is a color commentator on the EPL broadcasts we get here in America, was primarily a defensive player. He said that the only game he ever started as a pro where he wasn’t nursing an injury was his very first one. It sounds like, given the demands and the punishing nature of what they do on the ice or on the pitch, that full recovery is all but impossible for these players. All they can do is get into reasonably good shape. The salary cap, by making it difficult for teams to give these guys a rest during the season, doesn’t help matters.
True, you are likely never healthier than opening night. I worry a bit more about back injuries in general, though. Sometimes they never go away.
NHL is a game of attrition
A healthy, modestly talented team will overtake the talented, injured team – every time
Well said.
Get well Party! It will soon be Martini time!