Craig Laughlin, the Washington Capitals’ long-time color commentator, is officially back in action.
Locker announced Friday in a video posted to his X account that he will be making his return to television on Monumental Sports Network for the Capitals’ game against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
🚨Locker Strong Update: I am excited to officially announce that after 7 weeks post open heart surgery, I am finally making my return to the @capitals broadcast booth with @JoeBpXp this Sunday March 30th.
Thank you to everyone who suported me in my journey these last few months… pic.twitter.com/hKW28n84rb
— Craig Laughlin (@Laughlin18) March 28, 2025
“Hey, Caps fans, I’ve got some updates here,” Laughlin said. “It’s been seven long weeks since my operation. I feel fantastic – lots of working out, lots of heart rehab, and that means my return is right around the corner. I can’t wait to get back in the booth Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. I feel I’m ready. I’m energized and I’m ready to get back in my seat next to Joe B and all my great teammates in Monumental Sports.
“It’s been a journey, for sure, and I couldn’t have done it without the great support of the fans, the Capitals organization, Monumental, and my family, of course. I think I’m ready. I’m off the IR, and you’ve heard it here first, I am back!”
The announcement comes two days after Laughlin posted a montage video of him working out, saying that he’s “officially off long-term injured reserve.”
Laughlin has not been in the broadcast booth since January 18. Early the following week, the 67-year-old had open-heart surgery to repair a bicuspid aortic valve and a blocked left anterior descending artery. Former Caps forward and long-time analyst Alan May has filled in for Laughlin during his absence.
In honor of @Laughlin18's return to the MNMT broadcast booth 🔊, take a look back at some of his best moments alongside @JoeBpXp!#ALLCAPS fans can welcome Locker back TOMORROW for #CapsSabres 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZNft78DRgr
— Monumental Sports Network (@MonSportsNet) March 29, 2025
Locker has admitted that wanting to be on the call for the end of Alex Ovechkin’s goals record chase was a fueling factor and motivator throughout his recovery process. Ovechkin is just six goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky for sole possession of the record, and after not scoring against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night, is on pace to tie the record April 12 at Columbus and break it April 15 at the Islanders.
Both of those games are set for national broadcasts on ABC and ESPN, but that doesn’t mean Locker and play-by-play man Joe Beninati will be completely uninvolved. Monumental Sports Network came to an agreement with the NHL where the Capitals’ right holders will have the ability to do their own broadcasts for archival purposes.
The Capitals’ game against the Sabres begins a very busy stretch to end the regular season, which will see the Caps play 10 times in 18 days in April before the start of the playoffs.
Let’s go, Locker! Welcome back.
