Silbsy's Corner: Capitals Injury Updates, Lineup Notes, Why Rempal Terminated His Contract

Here's some of the latest news and notes relating to the Capitals.

The Washington Capitals have had a busy past couple of days on the news front.

Pierre-Luc Dubois is inching closer to a return, and the 27-year-old officially upgraded to contact on Thursday and made the trip up to Columbus. However, he will not play against the Blue Jackets, though there’s still hope he could return on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.

Dubois has been dealing with a lower-body injury he suffered just three games into the season, and Friday will mark the fifth straight game he’s sat out. With Dubois out, Connor McMichael remains in his spot as the second-line center, while Justin Sourdif will again suit up down the middle on the third line.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Sandin didn’t travel and is day-to-day with an upper-body ailment. His status for Saturday remains up in the air, as his injury isn’t considered long-term or significant. With Sandin out, Declan Chisholm will slot in on the third defensive pairing alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk.

In other news, the Capitals placed Sheldon Rempal on unconditional waivers on Thursday for the purpose of mutual contract termination. The request to terminate came from Rempal, as he wished to pursue playing opportunities overseas, and Washington accommodated him.

When he clears at 2 p.m. ET, he’ll be able to sign in the KHL. Per Sport-Express journalist Arthur Khairullin, Traktor, SKA and Salavat are all in the running for the 30-year-old, who had 31 goals last season in Russia’s top flight.

Rempal said at training camp that he was aware this was one of his final chances to make an NHL roster, and it seemed like it was the Show or bust. After failing to make it out of camp, Rempal went to play with the AHL’s Hershey Bears and picked up a goal and assist in his first two games. In the KHL, though, he get more opportunity, more playing time and a bigger role.