Carlson (face) is practicing in a non-contact jersey Friday, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson is at an optional practice but this is still a big step in his progress, as he has been out of action since Dec. 23. He has eight goals and 21 points in 30 games this season. Carlson looks like he is close to returning to the Washington lineup and it could happen in the next 2-3 weeks.

Carlson (face) was on the ice during Wednesday's practice, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson skated with his teammates for the first time since being hit in the face with a slap shot during a 4-1 win over the Jets on Dec. 23. The 33-year-old was sporting a non-contact jersey and his return remains ways off, but his presence on the ice is another positive step in his recovery.

Carlson (face) was on the ice in full gear prior to Monday's practice, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson could be seen doing some skating work as he continues to recover from taking a slap shot to the side of the head during a 4-1 win over the Jets on Dec. 23. The 33-year-old -- who posted 21 points in 30 games prior to the injur -- remains without a set timetable for return, but further updates are expected after Carlson meets with doctors in the coming weeks.

Carlson (face) was on the ice prior to Friday's optional skate, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson has not played since taking a slap shot to the face during a 4-1 victory over Winnipeg on Dec. 23. The 33-year-old is still a long way from returning to the lineup, but his presence on the ice is a good sign that his recovery is progressing.

Carlson (face) was placed on long-term injured reserve Saturday, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson, who has been out since Dec. 23, is expected to be unavailable for months, so the shift from regular IR to LTIR won't change his timetable. The 32-year-old blueliner has eight goals, 21 points, 101 shots on net, 70 blocks and 34 hits in 30 games this season. The Capitals moved Carlson to LTIR because Nicklas Backstrom (hip) and Tom Wilson (knee) are slated to return to the lineup Sunday versus Columbus.

Carlson (face) could be out multiple months but the team is hopeful that he'll return "well before" the playoffs, Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson took a slap shot to the face but was fortunate enough to avoid surgery. Still, the star blueliner is expected to miss "months, not weeks." The 32-year-old could be moved to long-term injured reserve at some point in the near future.

Carlson (face) is out long term, Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports. He has been placed on injured reserve.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson was struck on the right side of his head/face by the puck last Friday against Winnipeg. He is not expected to play this week, but beyond that it is unclear how long he will be unavailable. Carlson has accounted for eight goals, 21 points, 101 shots on net, 70 blocks and 34 hits in 30 contests this campaign. Erik Gustafsson and Trevor van Riemsdyk are primed for increased roles at even strength as well as the power play.

Carlson (face) was discharged from the hospital Saturday and remains under the care of Washington medical personnel.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson is out indefinitely after being struck on the right side of the head/face by a shot from Winnipeg's Brenden Dillon on Friday. A timetable for his return remains unclear, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he was out for the remainder of the month. Carlson has registered eight goals, 21 points, 101 shots on net, 70 blocks and 34 hits in 30 contests this campaign.

Carlson (face) was taken to the hospital after Friday's game against Winnipeg for "precautionary reasons," Samantha Pell of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson took a slap shot to the face and immediately left the game Friday. Fortunately, it sounds like the veteran defenseman only needed further evaluation as a precaution. An update on his status should be available before Tuesday's game against the Rangers.

Carlson exited Friday's game against Winnipeg after being struck in the face by the puck, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Carlson was injured on a Brenden Dillon slap shot. There was blood on the ice as Carlson was helped to the locker room. The 32-year-old had a plus-1 rating and two shots in 16:12 of ice time before leaving the contest.