Capitals Notebook: Kuznetsov Injury, Carlson Progressing, Jensen & Kuemper News

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals got quite a bit of news on the injury front on Monday, including a great sign for John Carlson in his progression as the team continues its final playoff push down the stretch.

Carlson, who has not played since being struck in the face by a Brenden Dillon slapshot on Dec. 23, upgraded to a regular jersey, marking a step forward in his progression as he's now cleared for contact and faces no more major medical hurdles. It is the first time he's been able to take contact since suffering a fractured skull and severed temporal artery from the impact.

He could return soon, though the team has not made any additional decisions regarding his availability this week. However, rumblings indicate that Thursday could be a potential return date, which would mark three months since the injury.

Meanwhile, Evgeny Kuznetsov, who left Sunday's game after taking a high hit from Matt Dumba, did not skate and is day-to-day. It was an optional practice, though, so not all players were present, as Alex Ovechkin and more elected for a day of rest. More will be revealed on Kuznetsov's status on Tuesday, but for now, he's dealing with an upper-body injury.

Nick Jensen and Darcy Kuemper were both skating in normal jerseys at practice on Monday and are day-to-day with upper-body injuries. Jensen had left Wednesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres in the third period, and Kuemper had left Saturday's practice after suffering an injury just seven minutes into play.