Capitals notes: Marcus Johansson takes major step in recovery from concussion

Marcus Johansson knew, “no doubt about it,” that he had to be 100 percent before returning to game action for the Washington Capitals. Given the nature of the injury, now we know why the forward was so concerned.

Johansson, who has missed the past 10 games, passed a neuropsychological test Tuesday to be cleared for contact and is going through the proper protocol to play, a team spokesman said Wednesday.

The Caps had not previously revealed that Johansson was dealing with a concussion. The forward did not want to say when he began experiencing symptoms.

“I’ve been feeling it for a while, and it wasn’t good,” he said. “I’m glad it’s getting better now and hopefully I can play soon.”

Passing this exam was a necessary step to be cleared for contact in practice. Johansson deferred to trainer Greg Smith about the next step.

“We’re still figuring out all what happens now,” coach Adam Oates said. “It’s such a weird thing in the league. I don’t have too much more information on that. But obviously good for him.”

Before Johansson is activated from injured reserve, he’ll have to get his conditioning up to speed. The 22-year-old last played Feb. 7.

Johansson said he just wants to get back to playing in real games and practicing at 100 percent. First, though, he’s going to get bumped around in practice.

“If he feels good, then it’s back to normal where you start over and let’s go,” Oates said.

Rangers claim Hamrlik

The Caps won’t have Roman Hamrlik to scratch anymore, as the veteran defenseman was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers. The 38-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch for 17 of Washington’s first 21 games.

“I’m happy for him,” Oates said. “He wants to play hockey and he’s got a chance to play and hopefully he does well.”

New York, which assumes the $3.5 million cap hit and remaining salary, claimed Hamrlik the day after defenseman Marc Staal took a puck to the face.

“The league is amazing: Staal gets hurt last night, they need a guy,” Oates said. “Roman’s the call.”

Hamrlik, the No. 1 overall pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992, is a veteran of 1,383 NHL games. The Rangers are his seventh team in 20 seasons.

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