Stephenson (upper body) is slated to return to the Caps' lineup against Chicago on Wednesday, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Stephenson is able to suit up, it would likely be as a replacement for T.J. Oshie (upper body), who is considered doubtful versus the Blackhawks. Prior to getting hurt, the 23-year-old Stephenson was bogged down in a 10-game goalless streak during which he has logged a paltry one helper. Once Washington gets healthy, the natural center will probably find himself fighting for a consistent spot in the lineup on a night to night basis.

Stephenson (upper body) is still day-to-day, but is nearing a return, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game due to the injury, but not much else is known about the situation. With Stephenson out of the lineup Monday, Minnesota native Travis Boyd will make his NHL debut.

Stephenson (upper body) exited Saturday's game and will not return, Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson had been playing on the third line with Lars Eller and Brett Connolly when the injury occurred. The 23-year-old forward will be re-evaluated Sunday and is questionable for Monday's tilt against the Sharks.

Stephenson skated on a line with Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie during Thursday's practice, Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Barry Trotz is obviously looking for a spark as his second line has gone quite cold in the last few games. The 23-year-old forward is poised to take the place of Jakub Vrana, who has only one point in the last 10 games. Washington's lines are in a great deal of flux to start the season, so it may be a short-lived promotion for the rookie. In any case, his value in standard and daily formats will get a significant boost as a result of the increased icetime with such talented linemates.

Stephenson tallied an assist in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

With points in consecutive games, Stephenson's recall coincides with a significant jump in production from Lars Eller on Washington's third line. It's hard to say if this is the chicken or the egg of this relationship, but the third-round pick from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has improved mightily during his recall after struggling during the preseason. His fantasy value remains capped due to his lack of a firm grasp on his place in the depth chart with Brett Connolly (upper body) expected to return soon, but don't be surprised if Stephenson gets a longer look while the Caps are enjoying greater scoring depth in his presence.

Stephenson recorded two assists and a plus-3 rating through 12:11 of ice time during Thursday's 4-3 win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

This was the first career multi-point game for Stephenson. The Saskatoon native will probably remain in a bottom-six role with the Capitals, so his fantasy appeal is limited. After all, he's recorded a mediocre 25 goals and 81 points through 174 career games in the AHL. It's unlikely he'll suddenly develop into a reliable scorer at the highest level.

Stephenson had a goal and two shots in Thursday's 6-2 loss to the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was subbing for Nicklas Backstrom (illness) and acquitted himself well as a top-six forward while logging 13:20 of ice time. The 23-year-old forward has 14 NHL games under his belt, but this was the first point of his career after toiling as a bottom-six forward during previous stints. While Backstrom is expected to return to the lineup shortly, the departure of Brett Connolly (upper body) in the second period could provide an opportunity for the third-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft to stick around for a little while, but further updates on the aforementioned injuries should clear that up in the next day or two. Stephenson's fantasy value remains quite limited as a result.

Stephenson will draw into the lineup Thursday against the Canucks, Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson is expected to take the second-line center position made vacant as Nicklas Backstrom (illness) gets the night off. He's got some incidental fantasy value in deeper leagues and daily formats as a result, but his stint in the top-six is likely to be brief, so keep your expectations modest, but plug him into your lineup if needed.

Stephenson was recalled from AHL Hershey on Tuesday, Brian McNally of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Saskatchewan native's ascension to the parent club was necessitated by Andre Burakovsky's (hand) placement on injured reserve. Most fantasy owners won't be intrigued by a guy who was waived ahead of Opening Night, but Stephenson did record a serviceable 10 goals, 28 assists and plus-9 rating in 72 games with AHL Hershey last season. At the very least, he'll be a nice depth option for the Capitals.

The Capitals placed Stephenson on waivers Wednesday, James Mirtle of The Athletic Toronto reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson will likely be one of the first forwards recalled when Washington is dealing with injuries up front this season, but there isn't a spot for the 2012 third-round pick in the team's bottom-six at the moment. The 23-year-old pivot won't be worth consideration in season-long fantasy formats in 2017-18.