ARLINGTON, V.A. – The Washington Capitals are navigating a delicate balance as they emerge from the Olympic break, facing questions on the injury front and awaiting the return of players fresh off international competition. A Wednesday night matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena will test their readiness.
The most pressing concern revolves around veteran defenseman John Carlson. Carlson skated alone before Tuesday’s practice, working under the supervision of the training staff, but did not participate with the full team. He’s been listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained in the Capitals’ game against the Nashville Predators, the team’s final contest before the break. Coach Spencer Carbery indicated Carlson’s status for Wednesday’s game remains uncertain.
“He’s evaluated daily,” Carbery said. “We will see how he is tomorrow and then we will determine his status for the match.”
Carlson’s absence would be a significant blow to the Capitals’ defensive corps. The 35-year-old is a key component of their power play and a consistent presence on the blue line, averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game this season. His ability to quarterback the offense from the back end is crucial to the team’s success.
However, there is positive news on the injury front. Forward Connor McMichael is expected to be activated from injured reserve on Wednesday. McMichael has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, missing the final four games before the Olympic break. His return provides a boost to the Capitals’ forward depth and offers Carbery more options in the offensive zone.
The return of Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson from Olympic duty presents another layer of complexity. Both players represented Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where they fell to the United States in a thrilling 2-1 overtime loss in the gold medal game. Wilson and Thompson flew back on Monday and were given Tuesday off. While they are expected to participate in Wednesday’s morning skate, their availability for the game against the Flyers remains uncertain.
Carbery acknowledged the emotional toll the Olympic final may have taken on Wilson and Thompson. The close nature of the game and the disappointment of falling short of gold, could impact their readiness to return to NHL action.
“You’re there, and you’re that close and you’re watching this game and it goes to overtime… They feel for their brothers that were right there, that close to a gold medal,” Carbery said. “It actually had a little bit of a downer on the practice.”
If Wilson and Thompson are deemed unavailable, the activation of McMichael from injured reserve will provide the Capitals with the roster flexibility needed to fill the roster spot. The team could also designate Wilson and Thompson as non-roster players, further opening up options.
Defenseman Martin Fehervary, who represented Slovakia at the Olympics, is expected to be in the lineup against the Flyers. Fehervary returned on Sunday and participated in Monday’s practice, indicating he has successfully transitioned back to NHL play. Slovakia finished fourth in the Olympic tournament.
The Capitals face a quick turnaround after the Olympic break, with three games scheduled in four nights. Getting players back to full speed quickly will be paramount. Carbery emphasized the importance of focusing on the fundamentals and regaining game sharpness.
The Flyers present a challenging opponent. Philadelphia is currently battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and will be looking to capitalize on any potential fatigue or rust from the Capitals. The game represents an important opportunity for Washington to re-establish its position in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Carlson, Wilson, and Thompson, the Capitals are focused on returning to form and building momentum as they navigate the stretch run of the season. The team’s ability to integrate its Olympians and manage its injury situation will be key to its success.
