Snively Takes Ice In Non-Contact Jersey At Capitals Morning Skate

It looks like Washington Capitals forward Joe Snively is making good progress in his recovery.

The Herndon, V.a. native hit the ice for the team’s morning skate on Sunday in a non-contact jersey, per The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir. This marks the first time he has skated with the group since undergoing wrist surgery back in March.

Snively last played on Feb. 28 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who the Capitals face on Sunday. He then drew out while dealing with a “lingering” upper-body injury, which was later revealed to be a fracture to the scaphoid bone on his left wrist.

The Capitals announced that Snively underwent successful surgery for the injury and would be out 4-6 weeks. He has been on the long-term injured reserve.

Prior to his injury, the Little Caps alum was making quite a statement in the organization. Snively worked his way onto Washington’s radar this season, leading the Bears with 38 points in the team’s first 35 games. His impressive play earned him a call-up to the big club as the Capitals dealt with a number of injuries, and he didn’t disappoint.

READ MORE ON WHN: Has Samsonov Gained Ground In The Capitals Goalie Race? 

Snively started off his NHL career with a bang, dishing three goals and four assists through 12 appearances with his hometown team. He also got time on the top-6 alongside childhood heroes Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin.

“Last two and a half years have been a good learning adjustment for me,” Snively said earlier in the season. “Certain parts of my game defensively, managing the puck, I think I have gotten a lot better at. It has prepared me for this opportunity.”

Snively’s growth also caught general manager Brian MacLellan’s attention. On March 16, the 26-year-old signed a two-year, $1.6 million extension with Washington. It is a one-way deal.

The Capitals have four games left in the 2021-22 regular season before the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.