The Washington Capitals have placed defenceman John Carlson on injured reserve after he was hit in the face by a slapshot last week, the NHL team announced Tuesday.
The move means Carlson will miss at least the next two games, but Capitals coach Peter Laviolette told reporters the defenceman figures to be out "long term."
Earlier Tuesday, the Capitals recalled defenceman Lucas Johansen from AHL Hershey.
The injury occurred a minute into the third period of Washington's 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets last Friday night.
After Winnipeg won a faceoff in Washington's zone, Jets defenceman Brenden Dillon fired a slapshot from the point and the puck made contact with the side of Carlson's head.
Carlson rushed off the ice and was taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures. He was released from hospital the next day.
The 32-year-old has eight goals and 21 points in 30 games this season with a team-leading average ice time of 23:24.
Washington plays against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.
