The Washington Capitals have recalled left-wing Beck Malenstyn from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
The move comes after right-wing Connor Brown sustained a lower-body injury in the team’s 6-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday. Brown did not skate in Tuesday’s practice and appears doubtful to play in Thursday’s game at the Ottawa Senators (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington in-market, ESPN+ out-of-market).
Center Evgeny Kuznetsov will also serve a one-game suspension on Thursday after high-sticking Vancouver defenseman Kyle Burroughs.
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Malenstyn, 24, has appeared in two games with Hershey this season. The 6’3″, 200-pound forward scored one goal in 12 games with the Capitals during the 2021-22 season. Malenstyn recorded his first career NHL goal and point on Nov. 30, 2021, against the Florida Panthers and was one of nine Capitals rookies to score his first career goal last season. In 15 career NHL games with the Capitals, Malenstyn has recorded one goal.
The Delta, British Columbia, native recorded 16 points (10g, 6a) in 65 games with the Bears last season, establishing an AHL career high in goals and tying a career high in points. Malenstyn finished the season ranked tied for third on Hershey in game-winning goals (3) and sixth in games played. Malenstyn appeared in all three of Hershey’s playoff games, recording one goal. In 187 career AHL games with Hershey, Malenstyn recorded 47 points (24g, 23a).
The Capitals selected Malenstyn with their fifth-round pick, 145th overall, in the 2016 NHL Draft.
The Bears return to action on Friday when they play the first game of a two-game set against the Checkers in Charlotte, NC.
So we have a right winger injured and a center on suspension and we recall a left winger. Can I assume that McM and Snively will be the actual replacements on ice (or the bench) and Beck will be the backup in the press box?
It looks like C-Mac at 3C and Snively at 4LW.
A bit surprised Malenstyn was the first forward callup, but happy for “The Check”
Well, it took four games into the season and here come the replacements. I figured it would happen quickly, but this is even faster than i thought.
After Sheary provided a spark on top line, they now need to look at fourth line. I don’t think Snively is the 4LW answer. But Beck could be. We need a gritty player in there. But i do think Snively will get first shot and Beck may be back down for Hershey’s Friday game.
This is also why I would have preferred to keep Leason and maybe sent McM or Protas down to save the RW. Oh well.