Joel Edmundson could make Capitals debut tonight

Just hours before they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Washington Capitals made a roster move that’s rather interesting. Yesterday they loaned Hardy Haman Aktell to the Hershey Bears. Then today they loaned Dylan McIlrath to the Bears. But that wasn’t all.

In addition they activated forward Anthony Mantha and defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk from IR. Then they activated defenseman Joel Edmundson from LTIR or long term injured reserve.

For Edmundson, it’s a long time coming. The 30 year old has yet to suit up in a Capitals uniform this season. His injury didn’t come in a game but rather an intrasquad scrimmage for the non game group in the morning of the Capitals first preseason game. He broke his hand in the scrimmage.

Today he was on the ice for the Capitals optional morning skate at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Alex Alexeyev and McIlrath stayed on after the skate for extra work. The Caps acquired Edmundson in a trade at the start of free agency over the summer.

Listed at six foot five, Edmundson has dealt with injuries the last couple of seasons. He was ready to go at training camp until that hand injury in scrimmage that sidelined him for a while. The injury additionally required surgery.

Over the last week the defenseman has participated in practice in full contact. During the sessions he found some time skating on the third pairing alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk as the two of them were previously partners with the Carolina Hurricanes. TvR will also be good to go tonight as he’s been out for the last two weeks with a lower body injury.

Edmundson played in 61 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season as he had two goals and 11 assists as well as 112 hits and 149 blocks. You can catch the game tonight at 7:30 on Monumental Sports Network.