Capitals Inch Closer to Full Strength as Logan Thompson, Matt Roy Return to Ice
The Washington Capitals may be getting some much-needed reinforcements soon, and not a moment too soon for a team clawing for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Starting goaltender Logan Thompson, who has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, was back on the ice this morning for what was described as a “very optional” skate. That’s a positive sign, even if it doesn’t guarantee he’s ready for game action just yet.
We’ll likely have to wait until tomorrow for a clearer update on his status-head coach Spencer Carbery didn’t speak with the media today-but Thompson’s presence at practice is a step in the right direction. And for a Capitals team that’s been leaning heavily on its goaltending to stay in the hunt, getting Thompson back in net would be a significant boost.
Thompson’s numbers this season tell the story: a .912 save percentage and 2.46 goals-against average across 38 games. He’s been steady, composed, and-most importantly-reliable. With every point mattering in a tight playoff race, his return could be the difference between playing into April or packing it up early.
But it’s not just the Capitals who are watching Thompson’s recovery closely. Hockey Canada has a vested interest, too.
Thompson is in the mix to be Canada’s starting goaltender at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. While Jordan Binnington helped Canada to a win at the 4-Nations Face-Off, his NHL numbers this season haven’t matched Thompson’s consistency.
If Thompson can get healthy and stay hot, he could very well be between the pipes when Canada goes for gold.
Matt Roy’s Quick Turnaround Could Bolster Blue Line
Thompson wasn’t the only Capital making a quiet return to the ice. Defenseman Matt Roy also skated this morning, just one day after being placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. He’s missed the last three games, but this morning’s appearance suggests he may not be sidelined for long.
Roy has been a key piece on Washington’s blue line this season, logging over 20 minutes a night and playing a critical role on the penalty kill with an average of 2:27 shorthanded ice time per game. That kind of workload isn’t easy to replace, especially for a team that’s already walking a tightrope in the standings. If Roy can return shortly after his mandatory IR stint, it would go a long way toward stabilizing a defensive group that’s been stretched thin.
Columbus Clarifies Sean Monahan’s Exit
Meanwhile, in Columbus, there was some initial concern when veteran center Sean Monahan left yesterday’s win early after taking a hit in the first period. But according to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, Monahan’s departure wasn’t injury-related-it was due to an illness.
That’s a relief for the Blue Jackets, especially considering Monahan’s well-documented injury history. The last thing Columbus needs is another long-term absence, particularly from a player who’s been a steady offensive contributor. Monahan has nine goals and 26 points through 50 games this season, following up on a strong 2024-25 campaign where he posted 19 goals and 57 points in just 54 games.
Portzline also noted that the Blue Jackets’ locker room has been battling a bit of a bug lately-Mathieu Olivier played through an illness on Friday-so Monahan’s situation may just be the latest in a string of players under the weather. All signs point to a short absence, which is good news for a Columbus team trying to build some momentum.
The Bottom Line
With the playoff race heating up, every roster update matters. For the Capitals, the potential return of both Logan Thompson and Matt Roy could be a turning point.
And for Canada, Thompson’s health could shape their Olympic goaltending picture. Over in Columbus, dodging a major injury to Monahan is a win in itself.
As we head into the final stretch of the season, these are the kinds of developments that can quietly shift the balance in the playoff push.