The Capitals figure to get Connor McMichael back in the lineup on Saturday.
The Washington Capitals got some positive news up front, as Connor McMichael appears ready to return from illness on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Mike Sgarbossa was loaned back to the AHL's Hershey Bears on Friday, indicating McMichael's imminent return after missing the last two games due to an illness making its rounds in the room.
Sgarbossa was brought up for the team's tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets after McMichael didn't make the trip. In 28 games with the Bears this season, Sgarbossa has five goals and 23 assists.
In other injury news, Washington is waiting until after the break to get updates on a number of players. Sonny Milano and T.J. Oshie remain on the injured reserve for respective upper and lower-body injuries. Both will remain out for Saturday and will not return until after the break, though there's no exact estimate for either.
Meanwhile, Max Pacioretty, who is working his way back from a re-torn Achiles, continues to skate with the team and ramp up, and now that he's been getting back into taking contact, the 34-year-old is expected back shortly after the holiday break. Pacioretty said that he is where he hoped he'd be at this point.
Ethan Bear, who has not yet signed but will put pen to paper after the holiday freeze, is continuing his rehabilitation from offseason shoulder surgery. The 26-year-old blueliner is expected to compete for a full-time spot on the right side and skated with Washington at its optional morning skate on Wednesday.
Nicklas Backstrom remains on indefinite leave after opting to step away from the game due to ongoing complications with his hip. He didn't respond as he'd hoped to hip resurfacing surgery in June 2022, and though he's unlikely to return this season, he hasn't made any decisions regarding retirement. Backstrom has also skated on his own in a tracksuit.
The Capitals return to action on Saturday at home against the Tampa Bay