Daily Wrap: Capitals Deadline Decisions, Swiss Team Wants Virtanen Out

As the Washington Capitals prepare to return from the All-Star Break on Thursday, they face key questions going into the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. It'll be a crucial point in time for Washinton with the playoff race intensifying and little room for error.

In other NHL and hockey world headlines, teams are focusing on their own final push for the postseason, and overseas, Jake Virtanen is facing controversy.

Here's a wrap on the day for Washington and the rest of the hockey community:

Washington Capitals

– Per reports, the Capitals are expected to sign AHL All-Star and Hershey Bears forward Ethen Frank to an NHL contract. (WHN)

– Going into the March 3 deadline, Washington has several decisions to make. Here's a breakdown of what could come and trade questions. (WHN)

– When T.J. Oshie was younger, he had to navigate several obstacles to advance in hockey in the state of Washington. A move to Warroad changed everything. He goes 1-on-1 about his childhood, how "Hockeytown USA" changed his life and his journey from small-town sensation to Capitals icon. (WHN)

NHL

– After an altercation with one of his Swiss League teammates, Virtanen is facing controversy overseas, as players have given the club an ultimatum: "him or us." (The Province)

– The Bo Horvat trade is already working wonders on the Island. New York Islanders (NYIHN)

– In a shocking moment, the Panthers mascot got in a fight with a Lightning fan and dropped the gloves in the team's Monday game. Florida Panthers (FHN)

Top Shelf Takes

– Jaromir Jagr is about to turn 51 and broke the all-time pro goals record with his 1,099th career tally across all professional leagues, passing Wayne Gretzky. His durability doesn't fail to amaze.

– Devante Smith-Pelly will return to D.C. to celebrate Black History Month with Washington, where he raised the Stanley Cup in 2018.

– The Capitals officially return from the All-Star Break with a Thursday skate. They'll have to shake off the rust quickly, as the safety net they'd had going into the time off has disappeared — and it doesn't help that the first game back is against the No. 1 Boston Bruins.