Justin Sourdif’s Illness Could Explain His Slow Start to the Season

Justin Sourdif had a breakout year in his first full NHL season, but his momentum has stalled early in the new campaign. With an illness recently keeping him out of action, the Washington Capitals are hoping the young forward can get healthy and regain his form soon.

The 24-year-old took a positive step Wednesday, returning to the ice for his first individual skate since falling ill last week. Sourdif has missed Washington’s past two games against the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings, leaving his availability for Saturday’s home matchup against the Buffalo Sabres uncertain.

Sourdif has managed just one goal through his first seven games this season, a modest return for a player coming off a productive year. While it is unclear whether his illness contributed to his slow start, getting back to full strength could help him find his rhythm as the season progresses.

Originally selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Sourdif made significant strides during the 2024-25 campaign. He appeared in 78 regular-season games for Washington, finishing with 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points. That production established him as a useful contributor and gave the Capitals reason to expect further growth from the young forward.

His impact, however, isn't limited to offensive production. Sourdif has also carved out a role on Washington's penalty kill, averaging 45 seconds of shorthanded ice time per game. That ranks fifth among the team's forwards, highlighting the trust he has earned in defensive situations.

The forward has also been learning the finer points of playing center at the NHL level, a responsibility that requires sound positioning, awareness, and consistency on both sides of the puck. His willingness to take on different assignments gives Washington another option as it looks to maintain balance throughout its lineup.

Although seven games offer only a small sample size, Sourdif will be eager to put his early-season struggles behind him. His 35-point performance last year demonstrated that he can contribute regularly at this level, and a return to health would give him a chance to build on that foundation.

For now, the Capitals will be monitoring his progress ahead of Saturday's meeting with Buffalo. Sourdif's return date has not been confirmed, but his first skate since falling ill is an encouraging development. If he can get back into the lineup soon, Washington could regain a versatile forward who has already shown he can make a meaningful contribution over a full NHL season.