Needing a spot on the active roster for a returning Christian Djoos, the Washington Capitals have re-assigned Jonas Siegenthaler to the Hershey Bears. This move comes on the same day Christian Djoos was recalled from his conditioning stint in Hershey.

Siegenthaler was the only player on the Capitals roster who is waiver-exempt.

Siegenthaler, called up to help an injured blue line, played in his first NHL game in November. He became a regular in the lineup in December with Djoos out, tallying 25 games and registering four assists during his rookie season in the NHL.

Siegenthaler was notified by the Capitals to settle into an apartment in DC during the Capitals bye week. The 21-year-old Swiss native skipped out on a beach vacation to have time for the move.

“It’s early to say that, but I’ve been impressed with how he’s played,” general manager Brian MacLellan said in January. “He’s handled things. He’s been protected a little bit, but more and more he’s getting exposed to better players, and he’s handling it and playing well. He’s got size, skating, defends well; puck movement’s been good. It’s pretty impressive what he’s done so far.”

The Capitals will have the option to expand their roster and call Siegenthaler back up after the NHL trade deadline passes on Monday, February 25.

More from the Capitals:

The Washington Capitals have re-assigned defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

Siegenthaler, 21, made his NHL debut on Nov. 9 against the Columbus Blue Jackets and has appeared in 25 games for the Capitals this season, registering four points (4a) and 10 penalty minutes. Prior to his recall to Washington, Siegenthaler has played in 14 games with Hershey this season and has registered two assists. The 6’3″, 230-pound defenseman played in his first season with the Hershey Bears last year. In 102 career games with the Bears, Siegenthaler has recorded 15 points (6g, 9a) and 85 penalty minutes.

Siegenthaler recorded his first career AHL goal on Oct. 15, 2017 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Zurich, Switzerland, native previously played for the ZSC Lions in the National League in Switzerland. In 115 career games in the National League, Siegenthaler recorded 18 points (4g, 14a) and 85 penalty minutes.

The Capitals selected Siegenthaler in the second round, 57th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Headline photo: Cara Bahniuk