The Washington Capitals have placed goalie Semyon Varlamov on the injured reserve list, although he can be recalled at any time and is expected to travel with the team for their season opener at Atlanta on Friday.
The move brings the Capitals' roster to the 23-man limit.
The Capitals open the regular season with back-to-back games Friday in Atlanta and at home Saturday against New Jersey.
It is expected rookie Michal Neuvirth will start Friday, although coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters Wednesday that he's not sure what will happen in the second game.
Varlamov has not played since Sept. 22, although he did skate Wednesday. The team has not disclosed the nature of his injury.
If Varlamov is unable to dress for this weekend's games, Dany Sabourin will dress as Neuvirth's back-up.
Scott Burnside is an NHL writer for ESPN.com.