WASHINGTON — After taking a major step forward in his recovery, Washington Capitals forward Sonny Milano is back where he started after a "fairly significant setback."

Per general manager Chris Patrick, Milano suffered the setback after upgrading from a non-contact jersey last week.

"Tough to see, because he's been working so hard to come back and we see him on the ice, but even away from the ice, he's putting in the time, and he really wanted to come back and be available for the playoffs," Patrick said. "I think in pushing to do that, he had a fairly significant setback last week."

Milano has been out since Nov. 6, when he suffered an upper-body injury against the Nashville Predators. After months of skating on his own and participating in non-contact drills, the 28-year-old had been cleared to take contact. It's unclear what the setback was, but it appears unlikely he will return this season.

"It's kind of back to the drawing board a little bit with him, so really hard to see," Patrick said. "He's torn up about it, as are we."

Washington will "figure out next steps" regarding Milano over the next few days as the team ponders recalling another forward to give the team extra depth up front, though the Capitals are content with carrying 13 forwards as Anthony Beauvillier joins th emix.