Capitals re-assign Brett Leason to Hershey

In a sign that T.J. Oshie could be playing tonight, the Washington Capitals re-assigned Brett Leason to the Hershey Bears. Oshie was also taken off injured reserve on the NHL’s media site. Leason played in 35 games with the Capitals this season.

The 22 year old made his NHL debut on Oct. 29, 2021 against the Arizona Coyotes and has recorded six points with three goals and three assists. In addition, the six foot five, 218 pound forward has one goal in six games with the AHL’s Hershey Bears.

During the 2020-21 season, the Calgary, Alberta, native recorded 20 points with nine goals and 11 assists in 33 games including 13 points in his final 15 games with five goals and eight assists.

Leason surpassed his rookie point total of 14 set in 2019-20 (three goals and 11 assists) in 17 fewer games in 2020-21 while also tripling his goal total. Leason ranked fourth on Hershey in goals and points and second in shots with 74. Additionally, Leason was one of five skaters to appear in all 33 of Hershey’s games and was the only Hershey player to record a power play goal, a shorthanded goal, and two game winning goals. Leason was elected in the second round at 56th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Oshie has five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 18 games. He hasn’t played since Jan. 15. He was skating on the third line at morning skate with Lars Eller and Connor McMichael. He also practiced on the top power play unit. The last time the Caps were at Madison Square Garden, Oshie honored his late father with a hat trick.

Capitals head Coach Peter Laviolette told the media that he was “hopeful” Oshie will be back in the lineup tonight. This roster transaction makes all signs pointing to an Oshie return tonight. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. against the New York Rangers on ESPN.