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Washington Capitals

Sammi’s Daily: Hagelin Back On Ice, Capitals Updates, Kadri Talks Flames

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Capitals forward Carl Hagelin

The Washington Capitals got good news on the injury front on Friday, as Carl Hagelin took the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex for informal team skates ahead of training camp.

Hagelin is working his way back to full strength after a devastating, career-altering injury to his eye. A high stick at a March 1 practice led to a ruptured choroid, that permanently took away part of his vision and reduced his depth perception. However, the 33-year-old mentioned that he would work to return and compensate with his good eye, and him skating is a good sign as he and the team expect an update on his recovery at some point this month.

Meanwhile, in other NHL news, Nazem Kadri spoke about his decision to sign back in Canada, and other top names remain on the market as trade rumors continue and other teams need solutions to lineup issues.

Here are the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the league:

Washington Capitals Links

  • The Capitals kicked off informal skates again in Arlington as some members of the team begin to return. (WHN)
  • Brett Connolly is among those skating with Washington — and here’s the reason he’s on the ice with his former club. (WHN)
  • Speaking of the attendees, Carl Hagelin is back on the ice — a positive sign given his injury — but his return to the lineup could lead to a roster crunch and force the Capitals to make some moves. (WHN)

NHL Links

  • Nazem Kadri shared why he chose to sign with Calgary, his past declined trade to the Flames and his expectations as he begins his seven-year, $49 million deal. Calgary Flames (CHN)
  • Speaking of Kadri, why didn’t he end up with the Islanders? Here’s a closer look. New York Islanders (NYIHN)
  • And, to make room for Kadri, Calgary sent Sean Monahan to Montreal, and he’s ready for his fresh start with the Canadiens as they continue their rebuild. Montreal Canadiens (MHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

  • Washington prospect Oskar Magnusson and Sweden will face off against Czechia for bronze on Saturday at the World Juniors. Despite a strong fight against Finland, Sweden couldn’t capture a semifinal win. Still, they’ve impressed big time thus far in Edmonton.
  • Vincent Iorio is putting work in ahead of training camp and is back in the gym. The Hershey Bears are going to be stacked this season, especially with Iorio joining the pack. Expect a big year from him as he transitions to the pros after four years with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. And, if Hendrix Lapierre joins the Bears, too… all the better.

  • In addition to some top names, Daniel Sprong remains unsigned heading into training camp. I’m surprised a team hasn’t picked him up yet, personally, as he’s shown that he can put the puck in the net with his wicked shot. All he needs is to find consistency, and he’s still only 25, so there’s still plenty of room to grow. He has yet to hit his prime.