The Washington Capitals have recalled forward Zach Sanford from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. 

The recall was part reward for Sanford, as well as an opportunity for the Capitals to check on his progress. He will be with the Caps until the bye week officially starts this weekend.

FROM CAPITALS MEDIA RELEASE:
Sanford, 22, has earned one assist in 20 games with the Capitals this season. The Salem, Mass., native made his NHL debut on Oct. 13 at Pittsburgh and earned his first NHL point with an assist on Oct. 30 at Calgary. Sanford was drafted by the Capitals in the second round, 61st overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Sanford registered 14 points (9g, 5a) in 24 games with Hershey this season. The 6’4”, 203-pound forward made his AHL debut on Dec. 2 at Lehigh Valley and earned his first AHL point with a goal on Dec. 4 against Syracuse. Sanford recorded a career-high four points (2g, 2a) on Dec. 11 against Rochester.

Sanford registered 39 points (13g, 26a) in 41 games with Boston College (NCAA) in 2015-16. He led the team in assists, ranked third in points and fifth in goals as a sophomore. In addition, he ranked second on the team in plus/minus (27) and tallied 44 penalty minutes during the 2015-16 season. Sanford registered 63 points (22g, 43a) in 79 career games with Boston College.