Washington Capitals Prospect Stanislav Galiev Cleared To Play

For the first time in a long time Washington Capitals prospect Stanislav Galiev has something to smile about. Galiev has been sidelined much of the season after surgery to repair a broken left wrist on October 1. He watched the Capitals practice at KCI wearing street clothes and a giant smile.

Galiev is in Washington to visit with the surgeon who repaired his wrist and said that his Wednesday morning appointment was a good one.

Galiev is quoted in saying that the surgeon says he is ready to go and he can’t wait.

The 20-year-old winger is expecting to be back in the lineup next Friday for the Saint John Sea Dogs. The team is looking to defend their 2011 Quebec League and Memorial Cup Championships. In five games this year for Saint Johns, Galiev has recorded three goals and three assists.

Last season with Saint Johns, Galiev set career highs with 37 goals and 65 points in 64 games. He then ranked fifth in the league playoff scoring with 27 points in 13 games.

Galiev was taken in the third round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and signed a three-year entry level contract with the Capitals in August. He challenged Cody Eakin and Mathieu Perrault during training camp for the last roster spot. He’s most likely going to spend the rest of the season in the QMJHL with the Saint John Sea Dogs.