On Monday, Washington Capitals prospect Axel Jonsson-Fjallby spoke to the media following morning skate at Medstar Capitals Iceplex. He expressed his excitement on the high possibility of playing tonight in his first NHL regular-season game against the Buffalo Sabres (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington) after being recalled on Sunday.

“I’m really happy about it,” the 23-year old said about being recalled from the AHL’s Hershey Bears. “Feel like my game’s been good this year…finally get a chance, so it’s really fun.”

He said it would be “nice” to play on the penalty kill at an NHL level since that is his specialty in Hershey. Jonsson-Fjallby also noted that he looks up to fellow Swede and forward Carl Hagelin, noting that’s “the type of player I’m trying to be.”

Jonsson-Fjallby has played in preseason games for the Capitals, but Monday will likely be his regular-season debut. “I feel comfortable for sure,” he said, adding, “I feel like my game’s been good this year. I got some confidence. It’s fun for that to be acknowledged and to get a chance.”

He said his family, friends, and his girlfriends’ family will probably be watching back home in Sweden.

The Sabres claimed him via waivers on October 4 and Jonsson-Fjallby said he participated in two practices that week before the Capitals re-claimed him on waivers six days later.

“It was a roller coaster. I was happy at first you know I felt like they believe in me for claiming me but I wasn’t upset about coming back, either. Washington is the team that drafted me and it’s fun to get a chance with that team.”

I feel like my game’s been good this year. I got some confidence. It’s fun for that to be acknowledged and to get a chance.”

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby speaks with the media after his first practice with the team since being called up.#CapsSabres | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/ScjmdUZILU

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 8, 2021

By Della Young