Tom Wilson Takes Ice With Capitals, Placed On IR In Paper Move

ARLINGTON, V.A. — After seeing Alex Ovechkin leave the team for the "foreseeable future" as he attends to a family matter, the Washington Capitals got some positive news on the injury front, as Tom Wilson joined the team for morning skate on Tuesday, marking for the first time he's practiced with the club suffering another lower-body injury in late January.

Wilson took part in different drills at practice, but he will not play against the Carolina Hurricanes. He had been skating on his own and was getting individual work in when the team returned from the All-Star Break, so it appears to be a step in the right direction.

The 28-year-old did end up being placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday, though, in a paper move to open a roster spot, per the NHL media site. With Ovechkin out, Washington recalled Joe Snively from the Hershey Bears to serve as the 13th forward. It is likely that he has been retroactively placed on IR given he has already missed over a week and at least three games. If it is retroactive, Wilson can be activated at any time.

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Wilson has played in just eight games this season after missing the first half of the season due to offseason ACL surgery. He made his return on Jan. 8 and was starting to find his game again later in the month when he picked up two goals and an assist in a span of three games.

The Ontario native suffered another lower-body injury on Jan. 24 against the Colorado Avalanche when he blocked a Brad Hunt slapshot from close range. He has been around the facility and has started skating again.

Washington is eagerly awaiting his return, as the team is not only missing Ovechkin but is in the thick of a tight playoff race and is struggling in the goal-scoring department.