Washington Capitals forward Carl Hagelin has been cleared by the Capitals and will return to the lineup Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks. Monday was the first day Hagelin was eligible to come off the long term injured reserve.
Hagelin has missed the Capitals’ last 11 games due to an unknown upper-body injury.
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Hags is cleared and ready to return to the lineup tomorrow against the Sharks#ALLCAPS #CapsSharks pic.twitter.com/rqqDwCh3aA
— Washington ☃️ Capitals (@Capitals) December 2, 2019
“Every injury is different, but I feel good to go,” Hagelin said. “I’m excited to be back for the boys, for sure. 11 games actually felt like a long time so it’s tough to be out but happy to be back.”
Hagelin also revealed how he tried to stay sharp.
“It’s a good opportunity for you to watch your team from up top. It’s fun to see your team win obviously,” Hagelin said. “I sat in on all the meetings at least at home to stay sharp throughout the whole process. I think just getting to work out with Nemish every day and do extra bag skates that puts you in a good situation to come back.”
Meanwhile, Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was cleared by doctors but no decision has been made if he will play Tuesday. Backstrom did extra conditioning after practice.
Good morning to @backstrom19 in a full contact jersey practicing shootout moves 🤗 pic.twitter.com/9P3mlcQMUH
— Washington ☃️ Capitals (@Capitals) December 2, 2019
Backstrom is the only player doing extra conditioning after today’s practice. He also worked as an extra during practice. For example, he was on PK instead of PP1. Reirden will address reporters shortly so maybe there will be an update. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) December 2, 2019
“[I] feel better so that’s a step in the right direction,” Backstrom said. “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow.”
He added, “We’ll see what happens. We’re taking it slow here. I feel better at least.”
Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong
