The Washington Capitals announced that they recalled Hershey Bears forward Riley Barber Friday afternoon. This will be Barber’s first callup of the season after signing a one-year contract in July.
Barber has arguably been the Bears best player of the season. The former sixth-round pick has 8 goals and 10 assists in 20 games and leads Hershey in points. Barber scored the famed Teddy Bear Toss goal on his way to a Gordie Howe hat trick.
“He’s right where he was projected to be through his career,” Caps assistant coach Reid Cashman said in September. “[Now] he needs to figure out a way to take that last right wing spot, compete for that job and make the most of his opportunity.”
Barber’s callup was likely done to give the Capitals more forward depth with Tom Wilson out with a concussion. Wilson suffered his injury Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Wilson is traveling with the team, but has not participated in practice or played since.
To make room for Barber, the Capitals have put TJ Oshie, also out with a concussion, on injured reserve.
Washington’s next game is Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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The Washington Capitals have recalled forward Riley Barber from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
The 6’0″, 200-pound forward leads Hershey with 18 points (8g, 10a) this season. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native has recorded six multi-point games this season, including a season high three points (1g, 2a) on Dec. 2 against the Binghamton Devils. In addition, Barber leads the Bears and is tied for seventh in the AHL in shots on goal (74).
Barber led the Bears in goals (20) and power play goals (10) last season, ranked tied for first in game-winning goals (5) and fourth in points (38).
Barber has earned 138 points (67g, 71a) in 193 career AHL games with Hershey. He was named Hershey’s Rookie of the Year in 2016 following a 55-point season (26g, 29a).
Barber made his NHL/Capitals debut on Feb. 24, 2017, against the Edmonton Oilers and played in three games with Washington in the 2016-17 season.
Barber played at Miami University (Ohio) for three seasons from 2012-15 and earned 123 points (54g, 69a) in 116 games. He was drafted by the Capitals in the sixth round, 167th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft.
