What recalling Brett Leason means for the Capitals

The Washington Capitals are just hours away from playing the Dallas Stars and they made a roster move before the game. They brought up prospect Brett Leason from the Hershey Bears while sending Mike Vecchione back to the American Hockey League.

Leason is 22 years old and made his NHL debut on Oct. 29, 2021 against the Arizona Coyotes. He has recorded six points with three goals and there assists in 35 games with the Capitals this season. In addition, the six foot five, 218 pound forward has four points in 15 games with Hershey with two goals and two assists.

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

Leason surpassed his rookie point total of 14 (three goals, 11 assists) set in 2019-20 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 (1), a shorthanded goal (1) and a game winning goal (2).

Leason was selected in the second round at 56th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Vecchione appeared in one game for Washington this season. The 29 year old has recorded 36 points in 43 games with Hershey with 12 goals and 24 assists. His 24 assists lead the team.

The five foot 10, 193 pound forward is four points shy of tying his AHL career high in points (2017-18: 40 points). The Saugus, Massachusetts, native has appeared in three career NHL games with Washington and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Peter Laviolette is expected to talk to the media around 2:45 before the game today. He will probably provide an update on T.J. Oshie, who left Friday night’s game in the third period. Perhaps we might see Leason in the lineup soon.