John Carlson’s ear had to be reattached after taking slap shot to the head!

The end of 2022 was rough on Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, who was struck in the side of the head by a slap shot from Winnipeg Jets’ Brenden Dillon on December 23rd, right before the holiday break.

Carlson bled profusely and was rushed to the hospital to undergo procedures, but fans didn’t think it was that bad when his wife Gina posted a Christmas picture of her husband and kids on which no visible scars appeared on the blue liner’s face.

However, in another post to commemorate her husband’s birthday on Tuesday, Gina Carlsson revealed more gruesome details of the defenseman’s injury, making it clear how serious the wound is. In her heartfelt message on Instagram, Gina described how proud she was of his recovery, but also explained how John’s ear had to be re-attached to his head.

"When they told me right away that you walked off the ice a couple weeks ago, and that was a good sign, it didn’t make me feel any better bc I know it would take your legs not working for you to not get up.. with your ear back on 🙈, you came home from the hospital & did it all. When I woke up Christmas morning after being sick the whole night before, I laughed and cried at the same time when I realized as always, you made no short-cuts, literally not one after no sleep and hospitalized, homemade cookies for Santa, cooked an amazing dinner, all the kids presents perfectly arranged with their new hockey sticks positioned up against their motorcycle sleds, full stockings… the moment the doctor said you could walk, you went out on a walk, then you were told you could ride the bike, and you were at the rink on the bike. I admire so much your dedication and work ethic even when it means I have to hang by myself when I try to bribe you to stay home with me 😘Your strength doesn’t even come close to your heart and the husband and dad you are."

Carlson was placed on the Capitals’ injured reserve on December 27 with head coach Peter Laviolette saying the veteran blue liner “was doing good” but that he’d be “out long term.” Many insiders believe Carlsson could be out for months, and following his wife’s disturbing details on what happened to his ear, we can all understand why.

There is no doubt that Carlson’s absence on the blue line will leave a huge void, but it’s better than the poor defenseman having one on his face.

Get well soon, John!

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