Positive Injury update on Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dubois, who has missed the past few games with a lower-body issue, still needs to get through one full-contact practice before being cleared. With the team off Wednesday, that skate would have to come Thursday. If all goes well, he could suit up Friday in Columbus or Saturday at home against Ottawa.

The cautious optimism reflects how the Capitals have managed injuries early this season. Carbery wasn't ready to guarantee Dubois's return, but his tone suggested progress. After a few days of skating on his own, the forward seems close to rejoining team drills.

In Dubois's absence, Connor McMichael has stepped into the second-line center role and made the most of it. The 23-year-old has thrived in bigger minutes, showing more confidence with the puck and tighter defensive reads. His transition speed and forecheck pressure have kept the line competitive against top opponents.

McMichael's growth has been one of the early bright spots for Washington. He's making quicker decisions in transition and maintaining possession longer in the offensive zone. Carbery has noticed, hinting that McMichael's performance could earn him continued responsibility even after Dubois returns.

Here's the original injury update from Tom Gulitti:

If Dubois is cleared Thursday, it will give Carbery a decision he won't mind making. McMichael's success has given the lineup flexibility, and keeping both players in rhythm could be key to sustaining the Capitals' offense.

For now, the news is mostly good. Dubois is close to returning, McMichael is making a case to stay higher in the order, and the Capitals are finding answers instead of excuses.