Positive update on Pierre-Luc Dubois, Negative update on Rasmus Sandin

Head coach Spencer Carbery confirmed the update after Thursday's skate, saying Dubois had ditched the non-contact sweater and was available for Friday night. That's a welcome boost for a team trying to find rhythm on offense.

Dubois brings pace and presence to Washington's middle six. His ability to drive the net and draw defenders frees space for wingers who've struggled to find time and looks lately.

Not all the medical news was good, though. Rasmus Sandin is out with an upper-body injury. Carbery downplayed its severity but offered no timetable, calling it «not long-term.» That leaves the defense group thin on puck movers, with Trevor van Riemsdyk likely slotting up for now.

For fans, this feels like the kind of mid-October juggling act the Caps have faced too often lately. A strong night in Columbus would steady things, but losing Sandin even briefly challenges an already strained blue line rotation.

Dubois' return, meanwhile, might carry an emotional lift. The Capitals' offense has lacked its usual bite, and teammates have mentioned how his physical edge sets a tone. A healthy Dubois crashing the crease tends to wake up the bench. Not to mention with the chemistry formed between a few line mates in his absence, the Capitals top-9 could get a lot more deadly with his return.

If Washington can balance that spark with steadier defensive play, this short road trip could reset the early-season narrative. Friday's lineup card will tell a lot about how close Carbery's group is to full strength again.