Carl Hagelin makes recovery progress as he skates with skates after practice but still nowhere near return

Injured winger Carl Hagelin was back on the ice on Sunday as he continues to progress in his recovery after multiple eye surgeries.

Hagelin continued working with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish after the Capitals’ optional workout ended, this time skating with pads as well as a full helmet bubble. Tarik El-Bashir of Athletic published video.

Carl Hagelin skates with skates today. So… more progress. #Caps pic.twitter.com/RD6p6K4QXD

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) May 8, 2022

Of note, Hagelin donned pads as in his last skating appearance four days prior in Florida, he did not.

While it’s wonderful to see him make the kind of progress he is making, Caps head coach Peter Laviolette provided an update on Hagelin’s status, which has dampened expectations.

“It’s positive that he’s here and he’s over there stretching his legs. He’s not close,” bench boss told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti.

hey there, witches pic.twitter.com/WYLUAd4swC

– x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 8, 2022

The Swedish winger has been out of action since the first day of March when he was hit during a training exercise by a teammate. His last game of the season was the day before against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hagelin, 33, has one year left on his current contract which will see him earn $2.75 million in 2022-23.

Screenshot: @Tarik_ElBashir/Twitter