The Washington Capitals have recalled forward Brett Leason from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and re-assigned Mike Vecchione to Hershey, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

Right-wing T.J. Oshie did not play in Friday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes due to a lower-body injury and his status is unknown for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Stars (5 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington in-market, ESPN+ out-of-market). Vecchoine replaced Oshie in the lineup on Friday.

Leason, 22, made his NHL debut on Oct. 29, 2021 against the Arizona Coyotes and has recorded six points (3g, 3a) in 35 games with the Capitals this season. In addition, the 6’5″, 218-pound forward has four points (2g, 2a) in 15 games with Hershey.

The Calgary, Alberta, native recorded 20 points (9g, 11a) in 33 games during the 2020-21 season with Hershey, including 13 points (5g, 8a) in his final 15 games. Leason surpassed his rookie point total of 14 (3g, 11a) set in 2019-20 in 17 fewer games in 2020-21, while also tripling his goal total. Leason ranked fourth on Hershey in goals and points and second in shots (74). Additionally, Leason was one of five skaters to appear in all 33 of Hershey’s games and was the only Hershey player to record a power play goal (1), a shorthanded goal (1) and a game-winning goal (2).

The Capitals selected Leason with their second round pick, 56th overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Vecchione, 29, appeared in one game for Washington this season. In 43 games with Hershey, Vecchione has recorded 36 points (12g, 24a) and a team-high 24 assists. The 5’10”, 193-pound forward is four points shy of tying his AHL career high in points (2017-18: 40 points). The Saugus, Mass., native has appeared in three career NHL games with Washington and the Philadelphia Flyers.