Tom Wilson Appears To Be Getting Closer To Return For Capitals

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Tom Wilson continues to make progress for the Washington Capitals, and it appears that he could be back in game action sooner rather than later.

Wilson, who has yet to play this season after undergoing ACL surgery in May, has been skating in a regular jersey over this last stretch. He recently upgraded from the non-contact and was skating on his own before joining the team for practice.

Head coach Peter Laviolette gave an update on some of the injured players and revealed that several players are nearing a return to the lineup. He included Wilson in that group.

"A lot of guys are close. Certainly all positive signs," Laviolette said, adding, "Tom's jersey changed and [Martin Fehervary's] jersey changed. [T.J. Oshie's] on the ice, and that's a step up… anytime someone comes out of that [no-contact] jersey, I feel like they're close.

Wilson will not be in the lineup on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. However, he wouldn't commit to a timeline.

"We're back from the break. He's out there, he's working. Guys are pushing hard. He's pushing. Marty's pushing."