The Washington Capitals appear set to get back one of their most important players from injury.
John Carlson was a full participant in the team’s optional practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Thursday morning. The veteran defender has sat out the last four games with a lower-body injury he suffered against the Nashville Predators on February 5 — the Capitals’ final game before the Olympic break.
Carlson had previously been skating in a light blue no-contact jersey. While getting into a regular sweater is a step in the right direction, head coach Spencer Carbery wasn’t ready to declare Carlson ready to go for Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins.
“He will still be day-to-day,” Carbery said. “Today was a positive step. He got into a regular jersey today and took part in all of practice.”
Carlson has 46 points (10g, 36a) in 55 games this season and ranks second on the Capitals in average time on ice per game (22:52), behind only Jakob Chychrun (23:41).
The 36-year-old rearguard recently saw his name appear in trade rumors ahead of Friday’s 3 pm Trade Deadline. However, the latest reporting indicates that Carlson does not expect to be moved.
The Capitals will practice again on Friday morning before traveling to play the Bruins on Saturday afternoon.
