Capitals Recall Defenseman Dylan McIlrath From Hershey

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Jon Sorensen
Photo: Charlotte Checkers

The Washington Capitals announced Wednesday afternoon that they have recalled defenseman Dylan McIlrath from Hershey.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Dylan McIlrath from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

McIlrath, Hershey’s captain, has recorded 10 assists in 44 games with the Bears this season. The 6’5″, 232-pound defenseman leads Hershey with 83 penalty minutes and his 10 assists are the fourth most among Bears defensemen.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba native has played 66 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings, recording five points (3g, 2a) and 121 penalty minutes. In 544 career AHL games with Hershey, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Springfield and Connecticut, McIlrath has recorded 110 points (27g, 83a) and 1,085 penalty minutes. Additionally, McIlrath won the 2017 Calder Cup with the Grand Rapid Griffins. McIlrath was selected by the Rangers in the first round, 10th overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft.

Alex Ovechkin, away from the team indefinitely due to the death of his father, has been designated as a “non-roster player” due to his leave of absence from the team, opening up the roster spot for McIlrath.

As per the NHL/NHLPA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a player can be moved to non-roster player designation when a player is “unavailable to play due to reasons other than injury, illness or disability.”

The team did not provide any additional information regarding potential injuries or change in status for any of the other current Capitals players.

McIlrath, 6’5”, 230, has been a steadying force for the Bears this season, and provides a big physical presence in the crease. McIlrath is a steady presence on the blue line and forms Hershey’s shutdown defensive pairing with Gabriel Carlsson. He has also been a stalwart on the Bears penalty kill. “The Undertaker” is never afraid to deliver a big hit or drop his gloves when needed.

While he is known as a defensive defenseman, McIlrath is close to setting a new career high in assists. He compiled three assists in January, including a pair of primary helpers against Lehigh Valley on January 25, to increase his season total to 10. McIlrath’s career high in assists is 11.

By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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12 Responses to Capitals Recall Defenseman Dylan McIlrath From Hershey

  1. James says:
    February 15, 2023 at 6:40 pm

    It seems every game lately has featured a shot from the point that is deflected in front and ends up in the net. Maybe clearing the crease should be a priority. When is the last time we had a defenseman that dedicated himself to helping our goalies. I love Orlov’s strength and verve, but he is also depended upon for offense. Maybe this guy helps.

    Reply
  2. KimRB says:
    February 15, 2023 at 6:43 pm

    For God’s Sake stop playing Irwin! This guy sucks. He’s the suckiest sucker whoever sucked! Does he have incriminating pictures of Laviolette, or something? Yeesh!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    February 15, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    McIlrath was 10 years too late, unfortunately, but Florida is big and tough, and the Caps have been getting pushed around lately. When Mantha is your toughest player, you’re going to have problems.

    Reply

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