Capitals defenseman Vincent Desharnais is out 4-6 weeks after having an appendectomy

Washington Capitals defenseman Vincent Desharnais is set to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks following a successful appendectomy. The 30-year-old was billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks, with the rate increasing to $19.95 plus GST after 52 weeks. He underwent the procedure on Thursday and subsequently took to injured reserve after goaltender Mitch Gibson was called up from Hershey of the American Hockey League.

Desharnais, who signed a four-year, $16.8 million contract as a free agent, has already made a mark in his first season with the team, netting three assists and averaging over 19 minutes of ice time. A native of Laval, Quebec, he has previously donned the jerseys of Edmonton, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, and San Jose, including playing a key role in the Oilers' journey to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

The recall of Gibson comes as starter Logan Thompson has been absent from multiple practice sessions due to a lower-body injury. Charlie Lindgren is expected to take Thompson's spot in goal for the Capitals' home game against Buffalo on Saturday.