Mitch Gibson roster move possibly sheds insight on Darcy Kuemper injury

The decision to re-assign goaltender Mitch Gibson from the Hershey Bears to the South Carolina Stingrays might be an indication of Darcy Kuemper’s recovery from his injury sustained in practice on Wednesday.

By re-assigning Gibson, Capitals GM Brian MacLellan seems to be implying that Kuemper’s injury is not serious, especially since the Bears have games scheduled on Friday and Saturday while the Stingrays are playing on Friday and Sunday.

Goaltender Mitch Gibson has been re-assigned to the @SCStingrays.

rabbittransit | Roster Moves

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) November 16, 2023

The move suggests that Kuemper’s injury may not be significant, as Gibson has previously been the backup for Hershey when other goalies were called up to the Capitals. Keeping Gibson with the Bears could have indicated a potential recall of another goalie.

On Wednesday, Kuemper had to be helped off the ice in significant pain after being hit in the leg during practice. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery expressed concern about the injury, stating that it was not an ideal situation.

Kuemper has been dealing with minor injuries recently, forcing the Capitals to recall another goalie from the Bears which resulted in Kuemper being scratched from games. However, he was able to serve as a backup goaltender in a recent win for the Capitals.

The Capitals are scheduled to play their next game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after taking the ice on Friday morning.

Headline photo: Alan Dobbins/RMNB