Now that rookie forward Cody Eakin has been reassigned to AHL Hershey, let’s check out the status of the Capitals’ NHL roster: With no corresponding move as of early Sunday afternoon, there are 22 players, including 12 forwards, with one open spot. Defenseman Mike Green remains on the active roster, but saw a specialist last week related to his groin injury and until he practices hard several days in a row it’s safe to assume he isn’t close to returning. He could go on long-term injured reserve retroactively at any time, if the team so chooses, and be immediately eligible to return.
We saw Matt Hendricks (right knee) back in the lineup against Colorado on Saturday. He played just 3 minutes, 49 seconds in that game, but for now let’s assume that’s because Hendricks spent five minutes in the penalty box for fighting and when he returned lost his center, Mathieu Perreault, to illness. Down a goal most of the contest and needing scoring, coach Dale Hunter kept Hendricks on the shelf. He took just two shifts in the second period and none in the third.
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This move could mean forward Jay Beagle is close to returning. He’s been out since suffering a concussion on Oct. 13. But no word that Beagle’s been cleared for contact yet and you’d think he’d also need some legitimate practices, too, before playing in a game. The Caps face Nashville at home on Tuesday, but do have an 11 a.m. practice at Kettler Iceplex in Arlington on Monday. Will have a better idea on Beagle’s status then.
And, of course, the NHL’s annual holiday roster freeze is in effect as of midnight Monday (Dec. 19). That means no players available on waivers or loans or via trade through midnight Dec. 27. But you can recall your own players from the minors. Eakin is on his entry-level contract and not subject to waivers so if the Caps need him he can still be brought back at any time between now and the end of the roster freeze. However, I’ve read the CBA more than a few times and – to be honest – am not clear on how that applies to a veteran AHL player who would need to clear waivers to be recalled. Will check with some NHL sources and get a clarification.
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