Originally a game-time decision, Brooks Orpik will play in his first game since October 27 against the Nashville Predators.
The Capitals announced the news in a tweet.
4️⃣4️⃣ back in!#ALLCAPS #CapsPreds pic.twitter.com/QElMUSoO4j
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 31, 2018
In a corresponding roster move, the Capitals’ sent Tyler Lewington back to the AHL Hershey Bears. In his second game pro, Lewington had the Capitals first Gordie Howe Hat Trick in seven years Saturday against Ottawa.
Washington Capitals have re-assigned defenseman Tyler Lewington to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League#ALLCAPS #CapsPreds https://t.co/WDsbE9BYDp
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 31, 2018
Orpik originally underwent knee surgery on November 20, with a return time of four to six weeks. December 31 lines up to around six weeks of rehab.
The 38-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Capitals this summer after being bought out by the Colorado Avalanche. The contract also has up to $500k in performance bonuses. Orpik is 10 games shy of hitting his $250k performance bonus and eight games shy of reaching the 1,000 career games played mark.
Nashville is riding a five-game losing streak. It has given the Winnipeg Jets a four-point cushion on top of the Central Division.
Photo: Elizabeth Kong
