Photo credit: The Washington Times’ Stephen Whyno

Washington Capitals do-it-all forward Brooks Laich hasn’t skated since February 16, so today was sort of a milestone. Via The Washington Times’ Stephen Whyno, Laich, donning shorts and sneakers, did some stick-handling and passing drills with General Manager George McPhee’s son, Graham, after today’s Caps practice. Katie Carrera also has a photo of Laich on the ice today too.

Laich has not played for the Capitals at all this season since suffering a groin injury while with the Kolten Flyers of Swiss National League A. The Caps assistant captain was cleared for contact on February 13, but after a few days of hard skating, the team shut him down. Since then, Laich has been doing off-ice workouts to try and build strength back up.

“It’s been the hardest thing I think I’ve ever gone through in my hockey career,” Laich told reporters in February. “It’s the passion in my life to play hockey, and when that gets taken away from you it’s really tough to take and really frustrating.”

A week ago during CSN’s Caps Central, analyst Alan May wondered aloud if Laich would even be able to come back at all this season.

While that’s not a promising thought to entertain, we at least have photo evidence that he’s alive and has even touched a hockey stick.

Get well soon, Brooksy. You are missed.