The Capitals blueliner is dealing with "health issues" ahead of the upcoming season.
The Washington Capitals will see defenseman Martin Fehervary sit out of the upcoming Olympic qualifiers, as he withdrew from Team Slovakia on Thursday due to an ongoing injury.
Hockey Slovakia announced the news on its social media, with Fehervary explaining that he cannot play in the upcoming qualifier due to an ongoing injury.
"(Fehervary) wanted to help Slovakia fight for a spot in the Winter Olympic Games, but he will not play," the team wrote on Instagram. "We wish Fehervary a speedy recovery and we are glad he will support the team."
It is unclear what the exact nature of the injury is or whether or not it will impact Fehervary's status for training camp. The 24-year-old told NHL.com's Nick Consonika that he was "dealing with some health issues" ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
“Nothing major. I’m practicing, but it’s before the season and we talked with the Caps and if I’m not going to be 100 percent, I shouldn’t go. So we’ll see," Fehervary said.
Fehervary dealt with injuries last season that limited him to 66 games, where he posted three goals and 13 assists, along with a plus/minus rating of minus-7.
The Bratislava native will return to the United States ahead of training camp in mid-September. Having him in the mix to start the year will be vital for the Capitals, who overhauled roughly a third of their roster and revamped the blue line with Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy.
Fehervary is expected to play on the third pairing with Trevor van Riemsdyk, but he could also keep his spot alongside John Carlson if chemistry allows for it.
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