The Washington Capitals appear set to get back one of their top defensemen from injury soon.
Rasmus Sandin, who has missed the past five games due to an upper-body ailment, was a full participant in Monday’s practice — two days before the Capitals host the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena. Sandin, who is still listed on injured reserve, started skating again in a no-contact jersey last week.
“He is [nearing a return], yeah,” head coach Spencer Carbery said. “He was a regular jersey today, so we’ll see where it goes from there. But that usually is a good indicator that he’s getting really, really close.”
The 25-year-old defender is averaging 19:23 of ice time per game this fall and recorded two assists in his last three games before leaving the Capitals’ lineup. Last season, he did not miss a single game, notching 30 points (4g, 26a) in 82 appearances.
With Sandin out of action, Declan Chisholm has played in four of the last five games, with Dylan McIlrath filling in for one game. The Capitals are 1-3-1 with Sandin not in the lineup.
Ethen Frank, the team’s other player currently on injured reserve, also skated on Monday but in a no-contact sweater. Frank was injured in a collision with Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen last Tuesday.
To activate either Sandin or Frank from IR, the Capitals will need to make a corresponding roster move as they’re currently carrying a full complement of 23 players. Smallman can be returned to the Bears without needing waivers, as he hasn’t spent 30 cumulative days or played in 10 games for the Capitals since last being waived.
The Capitals have another day of practice on Tuesday morning before taking on the Blues on Wednesday night. They’ll then jet straight to Pittsburgh and play the Penguins for the first time this season in the back half of a back-to-back on Thursday night.
