Breaking: Caps top prospect suffers a serious injury!

The Washington Capitals (6-6-1) are not having the start to the season that they had hoped for after dominating the NHL in 2016-17. It isn't completely surprising given the changes they've gone through on the back end, or the injuries they've been dealt - most notably to Matt Niskanen.

This piece of news doesn't affect them directly, but it's unwelcome news nonetheless.

Top prospect goaltender Ilya Samsonov suffered a concussion Thursday night in KHL action against Lada Togliatti. This was pretty unlucky, seeing as Samsonov wasn't even the starter - he came in relief of Mettalurg's starting goalie.

Samsonov was the Capitals' first round pick back in 2015, selected at 22nd overall.

The 20-year-old won't be a factor in Washington anytime soon, with Braden Holtby and Philipp Grubauer between the pipes for the foreseeable future. 

Concussions though, are tricky business, and have ended careers. They'll have to make sure he's treated properly and is cautious during his recovery period.