### Pierre-Luc Dubois Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss Significant Time Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is set to be sidelined for three to four months following successful surgery to address injuries to his abdominal and adductor muscles. The surgery took place on November 9, 2025, and the team announced the recovery timeline shortly thereafter. Dubois, who has yet to score in the current season, last played on October 31 against the New York Islanders, where he sustained the injury during a faceoff. This marks a significant setback for the Capitals, as Dubois was a key player in their lineup, coming off a career-best season. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Dubois suffered injuries to his abdominal and adductor muscles, requiring surgical intervention [https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/pierreluc-dubois-surgery-washington-capitals-a50255]. - The injury occurred during a game against the New York Islanders when he was cross-checked, leading to a knee injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/capitals_pierre_luc_dubois_has_surgery_out_3_4_months/s1_17050_43040652]. 2. **Surgery and Recovery**: - The surgery was deemed successful, and Dubois is expected to miss three to four months of play [https://www.flashscore.com/news/capitals-pierre-luc-dubois-expected-to-miss-up-to-four-months-after-surgery/IgQFcLnf]. - This timeline suggests he may return around February or March 2026, depending on his recovery progress. 3. **Impact on the Team**: - Dubois has not recorded any points in six games this season, which is a stark contrast to his performance last season where he achieved 66 points [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3393544/capitals-dubois-expected-to-miss-3-4-months-with-abdominal-adductor-issues]. - The Capitals have struggled recently, losing six of their last seven games, and will need to adjust their lineup significantly in his absence [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3393544/capitals-dubois-expected-to-miss-3-4-months-with-abdominal-adductor-issues]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Performance Metrics**: - In the 2024-25 season, Dubois recorded **20 goals** and **46 assists**, totaling **66 points** in **82 games** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/capitals_pierre_luc_dubois_to_miss_3_4_months_following_surgery/s1_16958_43040334]. - His career totals stand at **408 points** (165 goals, 243 assists) over **604 games** played [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/capitals_pierre_luc_dubois_has_surgery_out_3_4_months/s1_17050_43040652]. ### Conclusion and Future Outlook **Pierre-Luc Dubois' surgery represents a significant loss for the Washington Capitals as they navigate the early part of the season.** 1. **Injury and Recovery**: Dubois is expected to miss three to four months due to surgery on his abdominal and adductor muscles. 2. **Team Impact**: His absence will challenge the Capitals, who are already struggling with recent performance. 3. **Future Prospects**: The team will need to adapt their strategy and lineup to compensate for the loss of a key offensive player. The Capitals will face the Carolina Hurricanes next, and it remains to be seen how they will adjust without Dubois in the lineup [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3393544/capitals-dubois-expected-to-miss-3-4-months-with-abdominal-adductor-issues].