Capitals activate Pierre-Luc Dubois and Logan Thompson ahead of Olympic break

The Washington Capitals have bolstered their lineup just in time for their final game before the NHL’s Olympic break. Forward Pierre-Luc Dubois and goaltender Logan Thompson were activated from the injured list ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Nashville Predators at Capital One Arena. This move comes as the Capitals sit four points behind the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Both players have been sidelined for extended periods, but their returns could provide a significant boost. Dubois, a 27-year-old center, hasn’t skated since October 31 due to surgery on his abdominal and adductor muscles. Thompson, meanwhile, last played on January 27 and is slated for Canada’s Olympic roster in Milano Cortina.

Pierre-Luc Dubois’ road back from injury

Dubois’ absence has been one of the longest for the Capitals this season. Injured in a game against the New York Islanders when Jean-Gabriel Pageau fell on him during a faceoff, he underwent surgery shortly after and missed 47 games. In his limited action earlier this year—just six games—he failed to register a point, a stark contrast to his breakout 2024-25 campaign where he notched 20 goals and 46 assists in his first season with Washington.

Coach Spencer Carbery confirmed Dubois will center a line with Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas against Nashville. “It’s going to be a fun night,” Dubois said upon his return, reflecting on the long rehabilitation process. The timing is intriguing, as he’s back for the last game before the break rather than easing in post-Olympics.

This activation fills a roster spot vacated by forward Bogdan Trineyev, signaling the team’s intent to go all-in before the pause. Dubois’ physical presence and faceoff prowess could stabilize the bottom-six forward group, which has struggled amid injuries.

Historically, players returning from major lower-body surgeries like Dubois’ often face adjustment periods. Yet, with playoff positioning on the line, the Capitals are banking on his motivation. The forward’s return adds intrigue to a season where he’s yet to find his scoring touch. Last year’s numbers showed promise, but consistency has eluded him so far in 2025-26.

Logan Thompson eyes Olympic preparation

Goaltender Logan Thompson’s activation reunites him with the Capitals’ crease tandem. The 28-year-old has posted solid numbers this season: 18-16-4 record, 2.46 goals-against average, and .912 save percentage. His last outing was a January 27 loss, sidelined by an upper-body injury thereafter.

Thompson’s selection for Team Canada makes this return timely. The Olympics begin soon after the NHL break, offering him valuable game reps. “He’s ready to go,” Carbery noted during morning skate, praising his preparation.

In a rotation with Charlie Lindgren and possibly others, Thompson’s stats rank him among reliable starters. Here’s a quick look at his season performance:

The Capitals also loaned Garin Bjorklund to AHL Hershey, streamlining the goaltending depth. With Nashville’s potent attack led by Filip Forsberg, Thompson could see action or serve as the backup. His Olympic hopes hinge on staying sharp through the break.

Impact on Capitals’ playoff chase

Sitting four points out in the Metro, every game counts for Washington. The Islanders hold the wild-card edge, but the Capitals have games in hand. Activating key players like Dubois and Thompson underscores the urgency ahead of the pause.

The February 5 game versus Nashville caps a stretch where momentum could carry into March. Projected lineups show a full-strength forward corps, with Alex Ovechkin chasing milestones. Recent form has been mixed: wins against divisional foes but losses exposing defensive lapses. Dubois’ return addresses center depth, while Thompson bolsters netminding options.

Playoff droughts loom large; a strong finish pre-break could ignite a surge.

Olympic break ramifications

The NHL’s pause for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics reshapes schedules. Players like Thompson head to Turin, representing nations from February 6-22. Caps players on Olympic rosters include potential stars, heightening stakes. Thompson’s prep game tonight is crucial.

This activation signals health returning at a pivotal juncture. Post-break, the playoff race intensifies.

As the puck drops against Nashville, eyes will be on Dubois shaking rust and Thompson finding groove. For the Capitals, these returns could prove the spark needed to climb the standings. What happens in Milano will influence returns, but Thursday offers an immediate test—what it means for playoff hopes remains the big question.