Since Christian Djoos went down with a thigh injury, the Capitals third pairing on defense has been a mish-mashed rotation of Brooks Orpik, Madison Bowey, and Jonas Siegenthaler.
But The Djoos appears to be close to full looseness again. The Swedish defenseman fully participated in the Caps’ first practice back from All-Star Break and their bye week, shedding the non-contact light blue jersey he wore last week.
#Caps are having their first practice since the start of their break. Christian Djoos is on the ice wearing a regular sweater, a positive sign for his injury recovery.
— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) January 31, 2019
According to the Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan, Djoos slotted on the Capitals’ fourth-pairing with Siegenthaler.
Caps practice lines:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie
Vrana-Kuznetsov-Wilson
Burakovsky-Eller-Connolly
Fourth line is rotating 🤷🏻♀️Kempny-Carlson
Orlov-Niskanen
Orpik-Bowey
Djoos-SiegenthalerI think (?) Ovechkin knows he’s not playing tomorrow, but unclear who’ll take his spot.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 31, 2019
It’s unclear if Djoos will play against the Flames on Friday, but the practice is a good indication that he’s making significant progress in his recovery.
Djoos stayed here and skated during the bye week. He said he's taking it "day by day" and is "feeling good." Today was his first full (with contact) practice.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 31, 2019
Once Djoos is removed from long-term injured reserve, the Capitals will have a decision to make. The team will need to place someone on waivers to make room for Djoos back on their active roster.
That is a very good question and yes, I believe the team will put someone on waivers and keep Siegenthaler. https://t.co/hgyLuSz2DV
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) January 31, 2019
