Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin underwent successful surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the team announced. The procedure was performed by Dr. Christopher Annunziata at the INOVA Sports Medicine facility in Northern Virginia.
The injury occurred during a game against the Detroit Red Wings on April 2, 2026. Sandin, 26, was injured following a collision along the boards in the second period and did not return to the game.
The Capitals confirmed that Sandin's expected recovery timeline is 6-8 months, which will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season and the upcoming playoffs. He is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2026-27 training camp.
Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023, Sandin had become a key part of the Capitals' defensive corps. He recorded 23 points (3 goals, 20 assists) in 71 games this season prior to the injury.
