The Capitals winger is 2-3 weeks away from a return to the lineup in Carbery's latest timeline.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals got more positive news on the Max Pacioretty front, as the forward shed his powder blue non-contact jersey for a regular one at Tuesday's practice.
It indicates the next step in Pacioretty's recovery, as he has officially been cleared for contact. He had started to take this step on the road trip, but that was during an optional skate. This is the first time Pacioretty will get to engage in contact with the entire group.
He was skating on an extra defensive pairing with Alex Alexeyev to get some more reps in as he continues his comeback.
The 34-year-old is working his way back from a re-torn Achilles he suffered last January while he was with the Carolina Hurricanes, which came just five months after his initial injury. Since then, he has been taking a long road back and making progress slowly but surely.
Head coach Spencer Carbery said last week that Pacioretty is still two to three weeks away from making a return to the lineup, and the forward noted last month that he has some potential dates in mind for a return.
Getting the six-time 30-goal scorer lineup will be big for the Capitals, who are still looking for a spark on offense and on the power play.