The Capitals waived Devante Smith-Pelly on Wednesday, trying to clear space to add Hagelin, beefing up their bottom-6. The 30-year-old has tremendous speed but has struggled offensively this season, scoring just two goals with six assists (eight points) in 38 games.
Oshie was forced to leave Sunday’s game with an upper-body injury after playing just 7:10 TOI and his status for Monday’s game remains in question. Head coach Todd Rierden said that he doesn’t think Oshie will be out long-term but that he will be re-evaluated on Monday. It seems highly unlikely that Oshie will suit up but monitor his status as puck-drop draws near.
The injuries continue to pile-up for Arizona, who are without Chychrun, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jason Demers on the blueline as they head to San Jose. “He tweaked something and we just want to nip it in the bud,” head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters.
The Capitals return to the ice on Friday and Ovechkin will not play vs. the Flames. With their top-left winger out, Chandler Stephenson will move to the top-line with Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie. Ovechkin will be back in the lineup Sunday vs. the Bruins.
Chychrun was listed as a game-time decision due to a minor undisclosed injury but appears set to take on the Senators tonight. Chychrun has recorded three goals and seven assists (10 points) in 30 games this season.
Chychrun missed Monday’s practice with what the Coyotes described as “maintenance” but now he’s listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s contest in Ottawa. Chychrun is goalless with three assists in his last 10 games.
Backstrom missed Tuesday’s game due to an illness but skated in Wednesday’s optional practice and said he’s feeling better and thinks he’ll play on Thursday.
Backstrom will not skate this morning and is considered a game-time decision due to illness. Nic Dowd would likely draw into the Capitals lineup to replace Backstrom if he can’t go.
Borgstrom opened the season with the Panthers, picking up a single goal in four games. Since being sent to Springfield, the former first-round pick ranks third on the team in points with 22 (5G / 17A) in 24 games.
Wilson has missed the last three games with a concussion but is expected to play in Carolina on Friday. Wilson, who will skate on the second line with Evgeny Kuznetsov, has eight goals and six assists (14 points) in 11 games this season.
Oshie has missed the last 11 games with a concussion but will play Tuesday vs. the Red Wings. Oshie has a chance to get on the scoresheet right away as he will skate on the right wing with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. So far this season, Oshie has scored nine goals with five assists (14 points) in 18 games.
Wilson missed the Capitals morning skate and is expected to miss Saturday’s game in Columbus. Wilson remains day-to-day, so monitor his status heading into next week.
Wilson was hurt on a hit from Vegas forward Ryan Reaves on Tuesday and will come out of the lineup with a concussion on Thursday. Andre Burakovsky will move up to the top-line with Wilson out.
