Capitals’ Hagelin Out Of Non-Contact Jersey At Informal Skates

ARLINGTON, V.A. — After skating in powder blue at informal skates, Washington Capitals forward Carl Hagelin is in a white jersey as the practices continued on Thursday, with several more Washington prospects taking the ice.

Hagelin is still wearing an oversized, tinted visor as he changes his look while pursuing an NHL comeback. It is unclear if it means anything big, but it appears he is taking part in contact during the scrimmages.

The 34-year-old saw his career take a devastating turn at a March 1 practice last season. During competition drills, a high stick caught Hagelin under his tilted visor. The blade went through his left eye, rupturing his choroid.

“It’s the most pain I’ve ever been through,” Hagelin revealed. “The stick hit me right in the eyeball. It wasn’t any bones around it that really took any of the impact. It was scary.

“Right when it happened, it sounded like they have to almost get in and remove the eye type of thing at first. The first week or so was definitely a frustrating week,” he added.

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The Capitals winger underwent surgery that night and underwent another one later. He went to a check-up in August to check his progress as well.

“Those first two weeks were some of the toughest in my life, especially early on when you can’t see anything… total darkness,” Hagelin said.

No. 62 is participating in eye training and skating to work his way back into the full swing of things. He had three goals and 11 assists in 53 games last season for D.C. He has one year remaining on his contract at $2.75 million. The road ahead will still be long as he returns to game shape, but it looks like a positive sign for the Swede going forward.