Martin Fehervary is already back in a Washington Capitals practice jersey.
The 26-year-old defenseman returned home from the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday and was back practicing with the Capitals on Tuesday morning.
At the Olympics, Fehervary helped his native Slovakia finish fourth in the men’s hockey tournament, losing in the Bronze Medal Game to Finland.
In 58 games for the Capitals this season, Fehervary has recorded 20 points (4g, 16a). He is averaging 19:00 of ice time per game, which ranks fifth on the team. At practice, Fehervary skated on a pair with Trevor van Riemsdyk and is expected to be good to go against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday.
“Provided a little jolt of energy for the group morning meeting,” head coach Spencer Carbery said. “It’s good to see him back, and his big smile, and just congratulated him on a great Olympic tournament. Now we get back at it. I do [expect him to be good for tomorrow], especially with getting the practice in.”
The Capitals’ other two Olympians, Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson, flew back to the United States a day later than Fehervary. They are not expected back on the ice until the team’s morning skate on Wednesday before their game against the Flyers.
“So there’s a mandatory day off required through the CBA,” Carbery said last week. “It just depends on when they travel. I’m assuming they’re going to travel on Monday. Tuesday will have to be a day off for them. And then it just brings into whether they’re able to play. That’s for down the road of what Wednesday looks like for us.”
The Capitals are no longer carrying an extra goalie on their roster after returning Garin Bjorklund to the AHL’s Hershey Bears, so, at the least, the team appears to expect Thompson to be ready to back up Charlie Lindgren against the Flyers. They are also carrying just one extra forward, although Connor McMichael is likely to come off injured reserve for the game.
Puck drop for the team’s return to play against Philadelphia is set for 7 pm at Capital One Arena. The Capitals remain four points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
