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Mantha Out Of Non-Contact Jersey For Capitals, Cleared To ‘Battle A Little Bit’

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Capitals forward Anthony Matha

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals forward Anthony Mantha made more progress on Monday, upgrading from the power blue non-contact sweater to a regular red jersey.

It’s a positive sign for the 26-year-old, who is still battling back after undergoing shoulder surgery in November.

“Today’s the first day he’s cleared to go out there and compete and battle a little bit,” head coach Peter Laviolette said, adding, “Out here he might get into some battles.”

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Mantha has not played since Nov. 4, when he suffered his shoulder injury in Florida. He recently started skating on his own and then with the entire team.

“It’s certainly good, right? Talk about getting guys out on the ice, in the colored jerseys, then out of the colored jerseys and into the battles. So there’s a progression that goes with it,” Laviolette said.

Through the first 10 games of the season, Mantha picked up two goals and four assists. He has played in just 24 regular-season games for the Capitals since coming over at the 2021 trade deadline in a blockbuster deal involving Jakub Vrana. Mantha is still on the long-term injured reserve.

Washington faces Toronto at 7:30 p.m. ET.