The Washington Capitals’ leading scorer made another major step in his rehab at practice on Wednesday.
Tom Wilson was cleared for contact for the first time since suffering his lower-body injury per Monumental Sports Network’s Tarik El-Bashir. The development comes as Wilson missed his fifth straight game on Tuesday night, a 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
Prior to Wednesday morning’s practice, the 31-year-old winger had been skating for several days but only in a light blue, no-contact jersey. Wilson was initially injured after absorbing a counter hit from Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy on January 3.
The Capitals are set to host the San Jose Sharks at Capital One Arena on Thursday. Before potentially getting Wilson back for the game, the team will need to free up a roster spot and remove him from injured reserve. Brett Leason, who has played in the last four games, was recalled from the Hershey Bears last week and can freely be sent back down without needing to clear waivers.
“[Wilson] is a potential for tomorrow,” head coach Spencer Carbery said. “We’ll see tomorrow.”
Without Wilson in their lineup, the Capitals have posted a 3-2-0 record. Wilson has recorded 42 points (22g, 20a) in 41 games this season, two more than captain Alex Ovechkin, who sits second.
Before getting hurt early in the game against Chicago, Wilson had recorded eight points (5g, 3a) in his last three games.
