The Washington Capitals made a roster move Wednesday morning that signaled one of their most important players could be returning to the lineup shortly
Ahead of the team’s practice, the team sent veteran forward Jonny Brodzinski to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. The Capitals recalled Brodzinski late last week after Pierre-Luc Dubois and Justin Sourdif were forced out of action due to illness.
Brodzinski, 33, played two games for the Capitals during his four-day NHL stint, averaging 9:23 of ice time. He recorded four shots on goal and one assist, the primary helper on Ryan Leonard’s goal against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.
During both games, Brodzinski centered Washington’s fourth line, which featured Leonard and Anthony Beauvillier on the wings.
Jonny Brodzinski records assist on Ryan Leonard goal
In four games for the Bears this season, Brodzinski has tallied five points (2g, 3a). He is tied for second on the team in scoring, trailing only Andrew Cristall (8).
Brodzinski’s demotion comes as Dubois prepares to return to Washington’s lineup after missing five games due to an illness. Dubois has four points (1g, 3a) in four games this season and has been back skating with his teammates for a few days.
The Capitals placed Dubois on injured reserve last week, but they can activate him whenever they deem him ready. He was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice for the first time since falling ill.
The Capitals’ next game is not until Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres. The team is scheduled for practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex all three days leading up to the game.
