The Washington Capitals announced on Wednesday that rookie forward Zach Sanford has been recalled to the team from the Hershey Bears.
This is now the second time that Sanford, 22, has been recalled from Hershey. Sanford initially started the season on the NHL roster before he was sent down on Nov. 30.
In 20 games with the Capitals this season, Sanford has registered a single assist. His tenure in Hershey has proved to be valuable, as the first-year pro has nine goals and five assists in 24 games with the Bears this season.
The timing of the roster move is interesting given the Capitals’ situation. With two upcoming home games before the team enters a bye week, the Capitals don’t typically carry an extra forward during these type of stretches in an effort to save as much cap space as possible leading up to the March 1 trade deadline.
Occasionally, Washington has recalled a forward when the team heads on a multi-game road trip on the chance that a forward comes away with an injury.
This move suggests that a Capitals forward may be a bit banged up. Both Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jay Beagle exited the game at different points.
Kuznetsov took a slash in the first period, but he would return by the start of the second period. Beagle appeared to be shaken up a bit after blocking a shot in the third, but he appeared to be okay following the game.
The Capitals have a morning skate at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, and more information will be found out then.
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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