Capitals’ Jay Beagle likely to return from broken left hand by next week

Jay Beagle could play for the Washington Capitals as soon as this weekend, though coach Barry Trotz said it will likely be next week before he is able to return from a broken bone in his left hand.

Beagle broke the bone in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 30 and underwent surgery on Jan. 2, forcing him from the Capitals’ last 22 games. Trotz said he would like Beagle, who went through a full-contact practice for the first time on Tuesday, to join the team for its road game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday even if he’s unable to play.

“I would say probably a little bit of an outside possibility [for him to play on Friday or on Sunday], but yeah, there is a possibility,” Trotz said. “I believe he’s going to probably see the doctor on … either Wednesday or Thursday of this week, and then we’ll see where that is.”

Beagle had six goals and six assists at the time of his injury, playing in each of the Capitals’ first 36 games as the third-line center. He was also among the league leaders in faceoff percentage, having won 58.4 percent of his draws.

In his absence, the Capitals have primarily turned to two players — Marcus Johansson and Mike Richards, who was signed on Jan. 6 — to handle Beagle’s third-line responsibilities. It remains likely that because of their play, Beagle will move to the wing, potentially on the fourth line, once he’s able to return.

“I want to be a third-line center, but the other thing is, if it fits better with someone else getting that third-line center and me going to the fourth line or wherever Barry sees me fit to make the team stronger, you know, I’m all in,” Beagle said. “That’s just not even a question. It’s just, I want to win and I want to put the best lineup possible [out there].”

The Capitals are 44-10-4 entering Wednesday’s home game against the Montreal Canadiens, and, with 92 points, not only have the best record in the league but are off to the best start in franchise history.

Trotz has joked with other injured players — namely defensemen Brooks Orpik and John Carlson — about ensuring they don’t negatively affect the team’s play once they return to the ice.

“I mean, that thought definitely crosses your mind,” Beagle said. “But, you know, like I said before, you just try to come in and make the team stronger. Whatever, wherever I fit in, whatever I do, whatever role I come into, I want to make the team stronger and I want to make us do what I can to win hockey games. That’s the bottom line.”