Capitals Get Positive Injury News

The Washington Capitals could be getting some help on the health front, with Rasmus Sandin continuing his recovery from knee surgery, Logan Thompson skating while dealing with a lower-body injury, and Justin Sourdif getting back on the ice after an undisclosed illness.

Sandin remains the biggest question mark. Video shared by Sammi Silber of The Standard DC showed the defenseman working individually with Washington skills coach Kenny McCudden as he continues his rehabilitation from ACL surgery. Sandin wore a blue no-contact jersey, and has yet to return to full participation, but is making clear progress. 

The injury dates back to April 11, when Sandin tore his ACL against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He missed Washington’s final two games of the season and underwent surgery on April 21.

The Capitals initially estimated a recovery period of six to nine months. By the looks of it, Sandin appears to be progressing faster than expected, but time will tell when he’s ready to return to game action. 

Sandin finished with 29 points, including five goals and 24 assists, across 73 games. Following John Carlson’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks, Sandin took on more responsibility, averaging 19:53 of ice time per game.

Washington has brought in additional defensive help, signing Vincent Desharnais and Justin Holl as free agents and bringing back Timothy Liljegren. Still, getting Sandin back would give the Capitals another familiar option on defense.

The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Sandin ninth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft before dealing him to Washington in 2023. He has recorded 97 points in 242 games with the Capitals, including 15 goals and 82 assists.

Thompson’s status is another situation to monitor. The goaltender is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury and was also on the ice Thursday.

Through seven appearances this season, Thompson, who captured a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, has a 4-3 record with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage.

Sourdif also made progress, returning to the ice in a regular jersey after an illness kept him out of Washington’s previous two games against New Jersey and Los Angeles.

The young forward is looking to build on a productive first full NHL season, when he recorded 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 78 games. His offensive production has been quieter this year, with one goal through seven games, but his contributions extend beyond scoring. Sourdif has also earned opportunities on the penalty kill and has been learning to handle more responsibility at center.

His return to skating is a welcome development, although it remains unclear when he will be ready to return to game action.

For now, the Capitals will continue to monitor all three players. Sandin still has work to do before returning from surgery, while Thompson and Sourdif are working their way back from more immediate health concerns. But Thursday offered some reasons for optimism.