Laviolette Shares Latest On Carlson, Optimism & Road Back: ‘Looks Like Himself’

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals got a promising sign on Friday, as John Carlson skated for the first time since taking a slapshot to the face. And though the road back is still a long one for No. 74, head coach Peter Laviolette said it was good to see him on the ice.

Laviolette provided an additional update on Carlson, who can take part in "low-level exercise" for now and took a quick twirl on the ice.

"It's great," Laviolette said about seeing Carlson back on the ice. "It's off in the distance for him. He's back and he looks good. He looks like himself."

Back on Dec. 23 against the Winnipeg Jets, the defenseman was in his own zone when a Brenden Dillon slapshot struck him on the right side of his face. He went down and was bleeding from the face before heading off with trainers. Carlson was then transported to the hospital for further evaluation and discharged on Christmas Eve.

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Since then, the 33-year-old blueliner has been recovering at home and took a step in the right direction by getting on the ice, though it was not a full skating session. He is still a ways away, and he remains on the long-term injured reserve. He will be re-evaluated at the end of February, but seeing him on the ice is a plus and provides a boost to the team.

"To get him out on the ice is a real positive and I'm sure for him, too," Laviolette added.

Through 30 games this season, Carlson has eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points.