Capitals Injury Update: Wilson a Game-Time Call, Dubois and Sourdif Progressing
ARLINGTON, V.A. - The Washington Capitals hit the ice Saturday morning with a few encouraging signs on the injury front ahead of their matchup with the Florida Panthers. While the lineup isn’t fully set just yet, the pieces are starting to come back together - and that could be a big boost as the Caps look to stay competitive in a tightly packed Eastern Conference.
Let’s start with Tom Wilson. The veteran forward, who’s been sidelined since suffering a lower-body injury on Jan. 3, is officially a game-time decision.
He stayed out for extra work during the morning skate - usually a hint that a player might not suit up - but head coach Spencer Carbery left the door open, saying the team is still weighing its options. Wilson’s physical presence and leadership are always felt when he’s in the lineup, so even the possibility of his return is a welcome development.
If Wilson can’t go, expect Ivan Miroshnichenko to step in. The 20-year-old winger was recalled on Friday and would get a chance to show what he can do at the NHL level. Brett Leason appears set to stay in the lineup, while Sonny Milano will be the odd man out as a healthy scratch.
On the injury recovery front, there’s more good news. Forward Justin Sourdif is making strides - he’s still out for Saturday’s game, but was cleared for contact and took part in the skate wearing a regular jersey.
That’s a key step in his return timeline. Sourdif was placed on injured reserve retroactive to last Sunday, so if all continues to go well, he could be eligible to return as soon as Monday.
Pierre-Luc Dubois is also trending in the right direction. The center joined the team for morning skate in a non-contact jersey, continuing his recovery from adduction surgery back in early November.
He stayed on the ice with the scratches and put in a solid workload, which suggests he’s getting closer to returning. The Capitals have missed his size and versatility down the middle, and his return would give the forward group a significant boost.
On the blue line, things are a bit more settled. Jakob Chychrun, who missed Friday’s practice due to personal reasons, will be in the lineup.
That’s a key piece for Washington, as Chychrun has logged big minutes and played in all situations. Trevor van Riemsdyk also draws back in, giving the Caps some added experience on the back end.
Declan Chisholm and Dylan McIlrath will sit this one out as healthy scratches.
The Capitals are still piecing things together, but Saturday’s skate brought more good news than bad. With Wilson potentially returning, Sourdif and Dubois making visible progress, and the defensive corps back to full strength, Washington is inching closer to full health - and just in time for a critical stretch of the season.