Orpik (lower body) took part in Tuesday's morning skate, Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tuesday marked the first time Orpik has skated with the team since Dec. 7, and represents a big step in the right direction in his recovery from a lower-body ailment. While Tuesday's development is certainly encouraging, the 35-year-old blueliner will still need to log a number of full practices before drawing back into the Caps' lineup. Orpik is still without a timetable for his return to game action, and will need to be activated from injured reserve before rejoining Washington's lineup.