Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is expected to return from a 36-game absence due to a fractured skull in Thursday's home game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Carlson had been sidelined since Dec. 23 after being hit in the head by a shot from defenseman Brenden Dillon during Washington's 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

Carlson, 33, has recorded 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 30 games this season.

A Stanley Cup winner in 2018, Carlson has 614 points (140 goals, 474 assists) in 917 career games over 14 seasons with the Capitals.

--Field Level Media