Capitals’ Rasmus Sandin expected to miss start of 2026-27 season with knee injury

The Washington Capitals are expected to begin the 2026-27 season without a crucial piece on their blue line.

General manager Chris Patrick announced on Monday afternoon that defenseman Rasmus Sandin will “miss a decent amount of time” from a knee injury sustained late in the regular season, with early indications pointing toward a recovery timeline of around six months. The injury occurred on April 11 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, when Sandin was clipped by forward Justin Brazeau during a third-period sequence, causing his leg to buckle awkwardly. He missed the final two games of the season as a result.

Initially believed to be manageable without surgery, Sandin later acknowledged he had “quite a bit of rehab ahead,” and the extended timeline now suggests a more serious course of treatment. Patrick added that the absence could stretch beyond the opening weeks of the season and will directly influence Washington’s offseason roster decisions.

Sandin, 26, played 73 games this season, garnering 29 points on five goals and 24 assists. He ranked third among Capitals defensemen in points, blocks (127), and hits (88), while finishing fourth in shots on goal (90). He also had a +4 rating and averaged 19:12 of ice time per game, with that number rising to 19:53 over 17 games following the trade deadline.

His role expanded after longtime defenseman John Carlson was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks. Sandin shifted to the right side and skated on the top pairing alongside Martin Fehervary, becoming one of the team’s most relied-upon defenders.

Since joining Washington from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline during the 2022-23 2022-23 campaign, Sandin has recorded 97 points (15 goals, 82 assists) across 242 regular-season games, averaging over 20 minutes per contest. He is currently in the second year of a five-year, $23 million contract signed in 2024, carrying a $4.6 million cap hit through the 2028-29 season.

With Sandin unavailable, the Capitals will be short on defensive options. Right-shot options are limited, with pending unrestricted free agents Timothy Liljegren and Trevor van Riemsdyk potentially factoring into offseason plans. The organization is expected to explore both internal and external options as it adjusts to the absence of one of its most consistent contributors.

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