With Edmundson Injury Situation Looking Bleak, Capitals Ready For Younger D-Men To Step Up; Carbery Points Out Contenders For Spot

The Capitals blueliner was injured during a non-game group scrimmage on Sunday.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals appear to be bracing for the worst when it comes to Joel Edmundson, and that being said, see that loss as something to gain for the organization's younger blueliners.

Head coach Spencer Carbery didn't sound too optimistic when asked about Edmundson's status. The 32-year-old missed Tuesday's practice after sustaining an upper-body injury in Sunday's non-game scrimmage. His injury is not connected to the back issues that have plagued him over the last couple of years.

"He's going to see our doctors today, and then we'll have more tomorrow. Probably not good," Carbery said simply.

There was plenty of positivity, though, when it comes to what can be done with a potential vacancy on the blue line.

"It absolutely does [open a door]," Carbery said, adding, "As I always look at things, some great opportunity for someone to step in and potentially take off, whether that's [Hardy] Haman Aktell, whether that's Lucas Johansen, snag a spot potentially on the opening night roster. It's what these guys want, right? They want to prove that they're an everyday NHL player on a good team. So it's right there. I love that, not for Joel's case, but for guys that are just waiting for that one break to be able to get into the lineup."

Alex Alexeyev was playing in Edmundson's spot on Tuesday and skating with Trevor van Riemsdyk on the third pairing, and he is another name Carbery is looking at to prove he can be a full-time NHL blueliner.

In addition to the extra left-hand shots, Carbery also said not to count out Vincent Iorio, especially with TVR able to shift to the left and Iorio looking strong to open camp up.

"He was solid the other night. He's in that mix too," Carbery pointed out.

Also keep an eye on dark horse Chase Priskie, who's a familiar face for management and a right-hand shot that's looking to prove that he has a place in the NHL.