Training Camp Buzz: Chara practices with Capitals

Welcome to the 2020-21 NHL training camp buzz. Training camp is underway for all 31 teams and NHL.com has you covered with all the latest news.

Washington Capitals

Zdeno Chara skated in the second practice group Tuesday and will join the main group Wednesday after missing the first day of Capitals training camp Monday while quarantining and following COVID-19 testing protocols.
The 43-year-old defenseman had his physical Tuesday morning after completing his quarantine period. He was paired with Lucas Johansen, the 23-year-old younger brother of Nashville Predators forward Ryan Johansen.
"He's been cleared, so we're excited to get him out on the ice and then he will join the first group tomorrow," coach Peter Laviolette said.
The Capitals are looking forward to seeing what Chara can add to their defenseman group and locker room. He is beginning his 23rd NHL season and first for Washington after agreeing to a one-year, $795,000 contract Dec. 30.
"I'm really, really eager to meet him and get on the ice with him and bounce things off of him," defenseman Brenden Dillon said. "I think for our locker room he's going to be a terrific add." -- Tom Gulitti

St. Louis Blues

David Perron said he had sports hernia surgery during the offseason and felt good after participating in the Blues' first two on-ice practice sessions.
"I was able to recover with a lot of time with our trainers here, our doctors and obviously being able to train and skate at our facilities," the forward said. "That helped me a lot." -- Louie Korac

Boston Bruins

David Pastrnak could return to the Bruins ahead of schedule, though the forward will not be available for the season opener at the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 14.
"The original prognosis was mid-February," coach Bruce Cassidy said. "So we feel he's a little bit ahead of that. How much? We've still got a way to go."
Cassidy said that rehab has gone well for Pastrnak, who had a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair Sept. 16. He has worked out on his own but is not skating with the Bruins during camp.
"No setbacks," Cassidy said. "I think because of his natural conditioning, work ethic, that pushes him ahead a little bit. How much? It's too early for me to speculate. I just know he won't be ready when we head to New Jersey.
"Could that be Feb. 1, Feb. 4? I don't know. Getting back from the road trip and having him in our lineup doing regular practices is always the best indicator for him and he's not there yet. I don't want to guess." -- Amalie Benjamin

Toronto Maple Leafs

Alexander Kerfoot was injured during practice, and the center will likely be unable to participate for the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
"[He] went down and got a little banged up," coach Sheldon Keefe said. "He's going to get evaluated tomorrow and we'll see how it goes. I would say he's probably doubtful to skate tomorrow but it's looking like he'll be day to day from here. We'll find out more tomorrow."
Kerfoot started training camp on a line with Zach Hyman and Ilya Mikheyev. -- Mike Zeisberger

Ottawa Senators

Cedric Paquette and Braydon Coburn were on the ice for the first time with the Senators after completing their quarantines.
Paquette, a forward, and Coburn, a defenseman, were traded to the Senators by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 27.
Coach D.J. Smith said Derek Stepan likely would be in quarantine for another week. The forward was acquired in a trade from the Arizona Coyotes on Dec. 26 but did not arrive in Ottawa until Sunday after staying with his wife, Stephanie, for the birth of their third child.
Goalie Matt Murray rejoined the Senators after missing several days to be with his wife, Christina, for the birth of the couple's first child, a daughter.
"It's amazing," Murray said. "It's a life-changing experience." -- Mike Zeisberger