The Capitals continue their 16th Mentors’ Trip tonight when they face the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Players’ and staff members’ mentors were also in attendance for the team’s 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Friday. Since 2008, Washington has posted a 21-9-0 record with their mentors in attendance. The Capitals have won four straight Mentors’ Trip games dating back to the 2023-24 season.

John Carlson recorded two assists on Friday, which marked his ninth multi-point game of the season. Carlson enters tonight’s contest on a three-game point streak (1g-4a–5p) and a three-game assist streak (4a). Carlson has recorded 34 points (9g, 25a) in 41 games this season, which ranks tied for eighth among NHL defensemen. Carlson, who turned 36 on Saturday, is the only defenseman over the age of 30 to rank in the top eight in defenseman scoring.

Carlson (165g-594a–759p in 1,129 GP) is Washington’s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists and points among defensemen. The 17-year veteran is six assists shy of becoming the 21st blueliner in NHL history to record 600 career assists. In addition, Carlson is expected to play in his 1,130th career game tonight, which will move him past Brian Leetch (1,129 GP w/ NYR) for the 13th-most games played by a defenseman with one franchise in NHL history.

Sunday, Jan. 11 – 2026 Mentors’ Trip

10:30 a.m. CT – Optional pregame skate, Bridgestone Arena

6 p.m. CT – Capitals at Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena

TV: MNMT

Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Capitals Radio Network

Monday, Jan. 12

Day off

Tuesday, Jan. 13

10:30 a.m. – Optional pregame skate, MedStar Capitals Iceplex

7 p.m. – Capitals vs. Montréal Canadiens, Capital One Arena

TV: MNMT

Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Capitals Radio Network

Wednesday, Jan. 14

11 a.m. – Practice, MedStar Capitals Iceplex

Thursday, Jan. 15

10:30 a.m. – Optional pregame skate, MedStar Capitals Iceplex

7 p.m. – Capitals vs. San Jose Sharks, Capital One Arena

TV: MNMT

Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Capitals Radio Network

Schedule subject to change. Updated schedule information will be announced on @CapitalsPR