The Capitals announced Wednesday that forward Lars Eller has left the quarantine bubble in Toronto to return to Washington for the birth of his child. Eller and his wife Julie announced in March that they are expecting their second child, a boy, on August 8. Eller’s departure from the team was pre-planned.

From the Capitals:

#Caps center Lars Eller has returned to Washington this afternoon for the birth of his second child. Upon returning to Toronto, Eller will follow the NHL’s quarantine and testing protocol before rejoining the team.

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) August 5, 2020

Lars and Julia have one daughter, Sophia.

Eller may be eligible to return to the bubble after a self-quarantine period and entry test. Todd Reirden suggested last month that call-up Connor McMichael could at some point fill in at Eller’s position, which would be McMichael’s NHL debut. Travis Boyd served as the team’s extra forward during the Capitals’ exhibition game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Best wishes to Lars, Julia, and big sister Sophia.

Headline photo: Cara Bahniuk