Overview
- General manager Chris Patrick said Monday that Rasmus Sandin will miss the start of 2026–27, calling the absence a factor in how Washington builds its roster this offseason.
- Early evaluations point to roughly a six-month recovery and a heavy rehab load, with the need for surgery still not clear.
- Sandin injured his right knee on April 11 against the Penguins after a hip check by Justin Brazeau, which kept him out of the final two games.
- The injury hits a defense already light on right-shot options, with John Carlson traded, Timothy Liljegren and Trevor van Riemsdyk headed to free agency, and Matt Roy the lone everyday righty under contract.
- Sandin is two seasons into a five-year deal with a $4.6 million cap hit and produced 29 points in 73 games in 2025–26.