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.
Dylan McIlrath lays the big hit and answers the call. #HBH pic.twitter.com/LBnwU7swRP
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) November 7, 2021
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.
Dylan McIlrath and John Parker-Jones drop the gloves. pic.twitter.com/k0MoM2iYd9
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) January 21, 2023
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
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.
Orpik 2.0? Not sure. Can he skate Jon?
Don’t expect a lot out of him except for being a physical force.
Orpik isn’t a bad reference. A defensive defenseman, physical in the crease, fights quite a bit in Hershey, very strong on the PK.
James, I believe you made this observation earlier, on another post? Maybe it wasn’t you, but I began to look at the data and you might be onto something. I may do a post on it, but either way, I’ll let you know what I find out.
No, it was me, Jon. I’ve been so frustrated watching the Caps struggle for goals lately and then watch as our opponents flip a seemingly harmless point shot on net and have it end up a goal.
Good observation, James. I’m assessing the relatable data as we speak.
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!
Lol. Irwin is a sensitive spot for you..😁
I only dislike players who stink. Seriously, focus on him sometime. You’ll see what I’m seeing.
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.
10 years too late is a good way to put it. Maybe they are looking at better crease protection. Consider James’ comment at the top.