Ahead of their 1pm matinee against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Capitals made a somewhat surprising recall Saturday afternoon. The Caps promoted center Chandler Stephenson from AHL Hershey.
Unless one of the Caps players is nursing an unknown injury, Stephenson is likely up to provide insurance for the Capitals ahead of their three-game road trip this week. The Caps also play in back-to-back games Sunday (Flyers) and Monday (at Pittsburgh). The Capitals have had 12 forwards on their roster since TJ Oshie returned from injury Wednesday against the Pens.
Last season, Stephenson played nine games in Washington. This is his first call-up since last October. Stephenson has been hot in Hershey lately, tallying seven points in his last eight games (two goals and five assists).
The Washington Capitals have recalled forward Chandler Stephenson from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
Stephenson, 22, played in nine games with the Capitals last season and made his NHL debut on Oct. 15, 2015 vs. Chicago. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native has earned 23 points (6g, 17a) in 36 games with Hershey (AHL) this season and ranks tied for third on the team in assists and fifth in points. He tallied three assists on Nov. 18 against Syracuse and has earned seven points in his last eight games (12/26-1/13: 2g, 5a). Last season, Stephenson set AHL career highs in assists (21), points (28) and penalty minutes (26). The 6’0”, 204-pound forward has earned 66 points (21g, 45a) in 138 career AHL games with Hershey.
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