Laich has yet to play this season after suffering a groin injury during the NHL lockout. He has been cleared for contact but has suffered a few setbacks on his road to recovery. He has now skated two days in a row so it appears as if he is nearing a return.

Laich has been cleared for contact and will likely return to the Capitals lineup soon. The Capitals have started to take steps in the right direction after a terrible start to the season and getting Laich back will only help them. Monitor his status in the coming days because he could be worth a waiver wire pickup when he is ready to return.

This is the first time Laich has skated this season and is getting closer to a return. The Capitals are struggling and could use Laich back in the lineup. There is still no timetable for his return.

Until we hear from the team, we'll have to assume Laich is healthy going into camp.

Laich moves down to the third line. He scored 15 goals and 38 points through 78 games this season.

Laich centered the top line this morning and figures to do so in the next Caps game. He has 11 goals and 31 points in 65 games.

Laich will start tonight's game on the top line. He has 10 goals and 28 points in 57 games.

Laich has been practicing at center and should get another look there as soon as he is fully healthy. He has 10 goals and 28 points in 56 games.

Laich moves back onto the third line. He has 10 goals and 28 points in 56 games.

Sounds like Laich will move up to the third line tomorrow. The two-way forward has 10 goals and 28 points in 54 games this season.

Laich will play after all. He has 10 goals and 28 points in 52 games.

Laich practiced on the fourth line this morning and could play there tonight. Before getting hurt he scored 10 goals and 28 points.

Not a good sign for Laich. Before getting hurt he scored 10 goals and 28 points. Expect Matthieu Perreault to take over on the second line.

Not a good sign for Laich. Before getting hurt he scored 10 goals and 28 points. Expect Matthieu Perreault to take over on the second line.

Doesn't sound good for Laich, The Wawota, Saskatchewan native has 10 goals and 28 points through 51 games. Expect a further update on his status.

Laich moves back onto the meat and potatoes line. He has eight goals and 21 points through 34 games.

Laich gets promoted to Alex Ovechkin's center. Expect him to improve on his seven goals and 19 points through 31 games.

Laich moves back down to the third line after playing on a scoring line for a while. The versatile scored has two goals and 10 points over 17 games.

Laich moves back to center after playing defense for a game. The versatile skater scored two goals and nine points through 15 games this year, playing every role imaginable.

Laich moves back to the blue line, making his debut on defense. If he gains defensive eligibility he would be much more valuable.