The Washington Capitals have recalled goaltender Ilya Samsonov from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and have re-assigned defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler to Hershey, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. 

Hearing that Samsonov has made it to Denver, just as #Caps are getting set to start their skate. He won’t be able to take the ice until Siegenthaler comes off; goalie coach Scott Murray is on ice and adorned in Holtby’s gear.

— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) November 16, 2018

The re-assignment of Siegenthaler to Hershey is likely just a paper move at this point, to make room for Samsonov.

Samsonov takes the ice (just arrived). Starts with a nice glove save! ⁦@NBCSCapitals⁩ pic.twitter.com/f6X4jQlMkM

— steve farrell (@capsbigbossman) November 16, 2018

FROM MEDIA RELEASE

Samsonov, 21, has posted a record of 3-5-0 with a 3.73 goals against average and a .875 save percentage in eight games with the Bears this season. The 6’2″, 205-pound goaltender has recorded at least 30 saves in three games with Hershey this season.

Samsonov recorded a 12-9-1 record with a 2.31 goals against average and a .926 save percentage in 26 regular season games and a 1-2 record with a 2.30 goals against average and a .913 save percentage in five playoff games with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) during the 2017-18 season. The Magnitogorsk, Russia, native also represented Russia in two international games, recording a 0.99 goals against average and a .956 save percentage.

Samsonov played in 27 games for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the 2016-17 season, finishing with a 15-3-5 record, a 2.13 goals against average and a .936 save percentage, twice earning KHL Rookie of the Week honors. Samsonov also appeared in the 2017 World Junior Championship with Russia and recorded a 2.11 goals against average and a .930 save percentage in six games, leading Russia to a bronze medal and earning World Junior All Star Team honors. Samsonov appeared in 19 games for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the 2015-16 season, recording a 2.04 goals against average and a .925 save percentage. Additionally, Samsonov played in six playoff games, helping Metallurg win the Gagarin Cup. Samsonov also won a silver medal at the World Junior Championship, appearing in two games for Russia with a 1.00 goals against average and a .956 save percentage. In 87 career KHL games, Samsonov posted a 33-16-9 record with a 2.20 goals against average, a .929 save percentage and seven shutouts.

Internationally, Samsonov represented Russia at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge, posting a 2-1-0 record, a 1.67 goals-against average and .952 save percentage at the tournament. He recorded a 46-save shutout in the bronze-medal game to lead Russia to a 2-0 win over Canada East. Samsonov also represented Russia at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and recorded two wins and a .942 save percentage to earn top goaltender honors at the 2015 Under-18 Five Nations tournament.

Siegenthaler, 21, made his NHL debut on Nov. 9 against the Columbus Blue Jackets and has appeared in two games for the Capitals this season, averaging 11:38 of ice time per game. Siegenthaler has played in 14 games with Hershey this season and has registered two assists. The 6’3″, 230-pound defenseman played in his first season with the Hershey Bears last year. In 102 career games with the Bears, Siegenthaler has recorded 15 points (6g, 9a) and 85 penalty minutes.

Siegenthaler recorded his first career AHL goal on Oct. 15, 2017 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Zurich, Switzerland, native previously played for the ZSC Lions in the National League in Switzerland. In 115 career games in the National League, Siegenthaler recorded 18 points (4g, 14a) and 85 penalty minutes.

The Capitals selected Siegenthaler in the second round, 57th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.