NHL Player News

Carlson (lower body) will not be available versus the Flyers on Wednesday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Carlson is on pace to reach the 50-point threshold for the third straight year and will likely achieve his highest point total since the 2021-22 regular season, when he racked up 71 points. With the blueliner on the shelf, Dylan McIlrath or Declan Chisholm figures to step into the lineup for Wednesday's clash with Philadelphia.

Wilson is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Flyers due to an illness, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Head coach Spencer Carbery didn't sound too concerned about Wilson's ailment, but the 31-year-old forward will be evaluated again in the hours leading up to puck drop. If Wilson is unable to suit up against Philadelphia, Sonny Milano and Hendrix Lapierre will be candidates to enter the lineup for the Capitals.

Thomas (leg) is taking a leave of absence from the team due to a personal matter and is expected to return Friday.

Thomas will miss Thursday's game against Seattle. He'll be back with the team ahead of Saturday's match versus the Devils, but it's not clear if he'll be an option for that game. Thomas hasn't played since Jan. 10 due to a leg injury, and he is on IR.

Thompson will start Wednesday's home game against the Flyers, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Although Thompson saw some playing time for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, he won't require additional rest time following the break in the NHL schedule and will start during the Capitals' first game back. Over his six starts leading up to the Olympic break, he went 2-4-0 with a 3.06 GAA and .892 save percentage.

Chinakhov will miss Wednesday's practice because of the birth of his daughter.

Pittsburgh doesn't have a game Wednesday, and it remains to be seen if Chinakhov will play when the Penguins host the Devils on Thursday. The 25-year-old has 11 goals and 18 points in 47 appearances between Columbus and Pittsburgh in 2025-26. Kevin Hayes is projected to be a healthy scratch Thursday, but Hayes will presumably dress if Chinakhov is unavailable.

Allen was the first goalie off during Wednesday's morning skate, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports, indicating that he'll draw the home start against the Sabres.

Allen was somewhat shaky leading up to the Olympic break, going 1-6-0 with a 3.08 GAA and .880 save percentage over his seven appearances since the start of the calendar year. However, he'll draw the start during the Devils' first game back in action after Jacob Markstrom played for Sweden at the Olympics.

Letang (foot) was taken off injured reserve Wednesday.

Letang will return to the lineup against New Jersey on Thursday after missing four straight games due to a fracture in his foot. Prior to his absence, the blueliner had an 11-game goal drought during which he notched five assists, 15 shots and 19 hits. The Montreal native will need to adjust to a new defense partner, as the team traded away Brett Kulak to Colorado on Tuesday.

Poirier was loaned to AHL Texas on Wednesday.

Poirier's return to the minors after being recalled Tueday signals that Jake Oettinger should be available to serve as Casey DeSmith's backup in Wednesday's home game against the Kraken. Poirier has yet to make his NHL debut, and he's gone 16-14-4 with a 2.74 GAA and .906 save percentage across 34 AHL appearances this year.

Hyry was recalled from AHL Texas on Wednesday.

Hyry made five appearances for Dallas last year, but Wednesday's recall is the first time he's joined the NHL club this season. Across 26 games in the AHL this season, he's recorded seven goals, 10 assists and 13 PIM.

Crosby (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and will be out of action for at least four weeks.

Crosby's timeline could put him on the shelf until late March at a minimum. He has amassed 27 goals and 59 points in 56 NHL games this season. Crosby sustained the injury while playing for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With the 38-year-old center unavailable, Pittsburgh looks set to move Rickard Rakell to center alongside Bryan Rust and Avery Hayes.