Tom Wilson won’t play for the Washington Capitals against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night, but he’s nearing a return.
Wilson took to the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in a light blue, no-contact jersey, skating for a second straight day as he makes his way back from a lower-body injury. The 31-year-old winger did not stick around to join the rest of his teammates for their practice, but head coach Spencer Carbery was still encouraged by Wilson’s progress.
“Yeah, he’s getting there,” Carbery said. “Skated on his own this morning, so it was a good sign.”
Wilson was injured early in Washington’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks last weekend, when his right leg got caught underneath him after a hit from defenseman Connor Murphy. Wednesday’s game will be the second he misses due to the injury and the third overall this season.
Carbery also confirmed that Wilson will be on the Capitals’ upcoming two-game road trip to play the Blackhawks and Nashville Predators. The Caps are hosting their annual Mentors’ Trip, departing for Chicago after practice on Thursday.
Wilson is the team’s leading scorer with 42 points (22g, 20a) in 41 games. With his absence and Aliaksei Protas being placed on injured reserve, the Capitals recalled Brett Leason from the AHL’s Hershey Bears on Wednesday morning.
