Capitals' Kempny to miss 6-8 months after Achilles surgery

Washington Capitals blue-liner Michal Kempny is expected to be out six-to-eight months following surgery to repair his Achilles tendon, the team announced Tuesday.

Kempny was projected to be a key member of Washington's defense next season. The 30-year-old averaged 18:38 per game last year while recording 18 points in 58 contests.

The Capitals have limited cap space, but can now create more by placing Kempny (who carries a $2.5-million cap hit for the next two seasons) on long-term injured reserve.

It what was seemingly a corresponding move, the Caps re-signed fellow left-handed defenseman Brenden Dillon to a four-year deal carrying a $3.9-million cap hit. He joins John Carlson, Dmitry Orlov, and Nick Jensen as the only other Washington D-men signed for next season. Radko Gudas (UFA) and Jonas Siegenthaler (RFA) remain unsigned.