Photo: Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images

The Washington Capitals announced on Thursday afternoon that they have assigned defenseman Michal Kempny to the AHL’s Hershey Bears on a conditioning loan.

The 30-year-old underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon on October 6. The team expected his recovery to take 6-8 months.

On April 2, 2019, Kempny underwent core-muscle surgery that kept him out six and a half months.

The 30-year-old recorded three goals, 18 points, and a team-leading +19 rating in 58 regular-season games during the 2019-20 season after missing the first eight while recovering from core muscle surgery that occurred on April 2, 2019.

Kempny recorded one assist and a -2 rating in five Stanley Cup Playoff games but was a healthy scratch for the final three games of the Capitals’ first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series against the New York Islanders.

In 232 career NHL games with the Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, the 30-year-old has recorded 14 goals, 61 points, and a +58 rating.

Kempny recorded a 50.35% Corsi-for percentage and a 49.54% expected goals-for percentage last season.

With the Capitals down to no cap space left, the team would have to figure out a way to make room for Kempny if they plan to play him this season. Left-handed defensemen Brenden Dillon, Dmitry Orlov, ad Zdeno Chara are all on the NHL roster and signed through the end of the season. Kempny is currently on long-term injured reserve and carries a $2.5 million cap hit through next season.

The Bears visit the Birmingham Devils on Friday and host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday.

The Capitals wrap up the season on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

By Harrison Brown