The Capitals got positive news on the Pierre-Luc Dubois front in Seattle.
The Washington Capitals saw Pierre-Luc Dubois take a big step on Monday, as the center skated in a regular jersey at practice in Seattle.
It marked the first time that Dubois was skating with the group in a normal jersey, signaling his upgrade to contact. He'd been skating with the group in a powder blue jersey for the last handful of weeks.
Dubois is nearing a return from adduction surgery he underwent in early November. He was injured on Oct. 31 against the New York Islanders, when he fell taking a face-off late in the first period.
Coach Spencer Carbery had said previously that his return will likely come after the Olympic break, though this is a good indication that he could be ready to come back in late February.
Getting the 27-year-old back in the mix will be vital for the Capitals, who are looking to remain in the thick of the playoff race down the stretch and have been dealing with injuries and adversity over the course of the season. Most recently, they lost Rasmus Sandin to a lower-body injury on Saturday.
Dubois has appeared in just six games this season for Washington. In his first season with the Capitals last year, he picked up 20 goals and 46 assists for 66 points, while proving to be a key shutdown center and a player who can match up against other team's top lines.
Washington currently sits two points out of a tie for third place in the Metropolitan Division and five points out of a Wild Card spot.