Pierre-Luc Dubois Faces 3-4 Month Recovery After Abdominal Surgery
Pierre-Luc Dubois, center for the Washington Capitals, is set for an extensive recovery following abdominal surgery. The procedure took place on Friday, November 7, 2025, to address injuries in his abdominal and adductor muscles. The team has announced that he will likely require three to four months to recuperate.
Timeline of Dubois’s Injury and Surgery
Dubois’s injury occurred during a game against the New York Islanders on October 31, 2025. He fell to the ice following a defensive-zone faceoff and needed assistance to leave the ice. Since then, he has not participated in practices or games.
Impact on the Team
- Dubois has played only six out of the Capitals’ 15 games this season.
- He has not registered any points, averaging 15:32 minutes of ice time.
- Last season, Dubois achieved a career-high of 66 points, contributing 20 goals and 46 assists.
The anticipated recovery timeline suggests Dubois may return in March or April, coinciding with the league’s break for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. In the absence of Dubois, Connor McMichael has stepped in as the second-line center.
Coaching Challenges
Head coach Spencer Carbery commented on the team’s ongoing struggles to find effective combinations in the middle-six forward group since losing Dubois. The Capitals have struggled, with a record of 1-2-1 in the four games since the injury occurred.
The Capitals organization continues to monitor Dubois’s recovery closely, remaining hopeful for his return as they aim to improve their performance on the ice.
