Capitals Placed Roy and Sandin on Injured Reserve
Washington has recalled Justin Holl from the Hershey Bears following injury setbacks to Matt Roy and Rasmus Sandin.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Hockey
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The Washington Capitals moved defenders Matt Roy and Rasmus Sandin to injured reserve following recent injury assessments. The team also recalled veteran Justin Holl from their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
Why it matters
The roster moves address defensive shortages caused by Matt Roy's lower-body injury and a confirmed ACL tear for Rasmus Sandin. Furthermore, Pierre-Luc Dubois is unavailable for the upcoming game due to illness.
Justin Holl brings experience from 405 career NHL games to the roster. Meanwhile, Matt Roy must remain sidelined for a minimum of seven days while he recovers from his lower-body injury.
The players
Matt Roy
He is a 31-year-old defenseman currently sidelined for at least seven days due to a lower-body injury.
Rasmus Sandin
He is a defenseman who was placed on long-term injured reserve following an ACL tear originally sustained in April 2026.
Justin Holl
He is a 34-year-old defenseman who has played 405 games in the NHL and was recalled from the AHL Hershey Bears.
Pierre-Luc Dubois
He is a forward for the Washington Capitals who will miss the upcoming game against Carolina due to an illness.
Hershey Bears
This team serves as the American Hockey League affiliate for the Washington Capitals.
The details
The Capitals made these roster adjustments following a 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. Justin Holl, a 34-year-old veteran with nine years of experience, joins the team to bolster the defense while Pierre-Luc Dubois remains out with an illness.
Timeline
Rasmus Sandin suffered an ACL tear in April 2026.
The Capitals lost to the Seattle Kraken on October 11, 2026.
The team announced the injured reserve roster moves on October 12, 2026.
Matt Roy practiced in a non-contact jersey on October 13, 2026.
The Capitals play the Carolina Hurricanes on October 14, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These injuries significantly impact the Capitals defensive depth as the team navigates early-season schedule density. Managing these roster gaps is essential for maintaining competitive balance within the division while key personnel undergo recovery.
The defensive rotation will see immediate changes as Justin Holl steps into the lineup to fill the void left by Roy and Sandin. Fantasy managers should note that Holl's role may fluctuate based on his limited appearances for Hershey this season.
The takeaway
Maintaining defensive depth is critical for professional teams managing early-season injuries. Fans should monitor roster reports closely as the team adjusts its lineup for the upcoming game against Carolina.
Further reading
For more on local team updates, visit Washington Hockey.
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