Will Joe Snively Be Recalled By The Capitals And Make His NHL Debut On Sunday?

Photo: Rochester Americans

Washington Capitals forward prospect Joe Snively has been one of the most productive forwards for the Hershey Bears this season. The Herndon, Virginia native has eight goals, which is tied for first on the Bears with Mike Sgarbossa. He has 14 assists, which is also tied for first on the Bears with Mike Vecchione. He also has a hat trick so far this season. It’s somewhat surprising he hasn’t had a callup to the Capitals at this point. But is it about to happen?

Snively was scratched from the Bears lineup Saturday night, officially listed as “made unavailable to the team.” We’ve heard that designation in the past. The first time we heard it was when Aliaksei Protas was a mysterious scratch from the Bears lineup prior to a game. Protas was recalled by the Capitals the following day.

Joe Snively is listed as “unavailable to the team” tonight vs WBS Penguins. On prior occasions when players were given the designation, they were called up to the #Capitals the following day. Snively has been hot this season and deserves a look. Something to watch. #HBH #ALLCAPS

— Jon Sorensen (@jon_m_sorensen) December 19, 2021

Maybe the biggest indicator that the hometown kid is making his way or has already made his way to D.C. come from comments made by Hershey Bears Head Coach Scott Allen following the Bears 8-3 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday.

When asked about the mysterious scratching of one of the Bears top offensive producers, Allen replied, “Joe Snively was slated to play tonight. There’s a strong possibility he’s going to be playing tomorrow. It may not be in Hershey.”

🎥Postgame thoughts tonight from head coach Scott Allen following an 8-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton #HBH pic.twitter.com/ObfRnulLR9

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) December 19, 2021

We will know more tomorrow, but it looks like Snively will finally get to play that home game we’ve all been waiting for. “Hometown kid starts for the Washington Capitals.” It has a great ring to it, doesn’t it?

By Jon Sorensen