Capitals Recall Top Prospect Rybinski as Eller Lands on Injured Reserve
The Washington Capitals announced a roster move on Saturday, recalling promising forward Henrik Rybinski from the AHL’s Hershey Bears. This comes as veteran center Lars Eller was placed on injured reserve due to illness.
Eller’s absence will impact the Capitals’ lineup for at least the next two games before the holiday break. He’s expected to return to the ice on December 28th against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
NEWS | The Capitals have recalled forward Henrik Rybinski from the Hershey Bears. In addition, the Capitals have placed forward Lars Eller on Injured Reserve (IR).#ALLCAPS | @Shift4 https://t.co/g4HJPYti8w
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 21, 2024
Rybinski’s call-up marks his first NHL possibility. The 23-year-old center played a crucial role in Hershey’s Calder Cup playoff run last season, contributing nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in 19 games. His strong performance continued into the 2024-25 season, where he tallied 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) in 28 games with the Bears, who currently lead the Eastern Conference.
Rybinski’s recent form has been notably extraordinary, with seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in his last six games. This surge in production solidified his place as a key player for Hershey, showcasing his offensive capabilities adn defensive responsibility, including penalty-killing duties.
Despite being cut during training camp, Rybinski impressed head coach spencer Carbery during preseason games.”I think he’s been one of the big surprises of someone that wasn’t necessarily on our radar to make the Washington Capitals,” Carbery stated in late September. “he’s done a tremendous job of excelling in the games that he’s played in, and he’s been good in the practices. Feels like he’s trending [up] in our institution.”
A 2019 fifth-round draft pick of the Florida Panthers, Rybinski signed with Washington as a free agent in 2022.He’s known for his strong work ethic and could make his NHL debut as early as Sunday against the Los Angeles Kings.
Official Press Release: Capitals Recall Henrik Rybinski
(Insert full press release text here)
Capitals bolster Roster with Rybinski Recall
The Washington Capitals announced a pair of roster moves today,recalling forward Henrik Rybinski from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and placing forward Lars Eller on injured reserve (IR). The move adds depth to the Capitals’ forward lines as they navigate the latter half of the season.
Rybinski, 23, has enjoyed a breakout season with Hershey, significantly exceeding his previous career highs. “Rybinski, 23, has recorded 20 points (6g, 14a) in 28 games with hershey this season,” announced Capitals Senior vice President and General Manager Chris Patrick. This impressive performance translates to a points-per-game rate of 0.71, a stark contrast to his 0.31 average last season. His contributions extend beyond scoring, as he ranks second on the Bears in assists, tied for second in plus-minus (+9), and third in points.
The young forward’s success isn’t limited to this season. In his previous season with Hershey (2023-24), he tallied 16 points (5g, 11a) in 52 games, leading the team in shorthanded points (4) and shorthanded assists (3). His playoff performance was equally noteworthy, contributing nine points (5g, 4a) in 19 games and helping the Bears secure their second consecutive Calder Cup championship. “Rybinski added nine points (5g, 4a) in 19 playoff games and ranked tied for first on the team in plus-minus (+7),” Patrick noted.
Rybinski’s consistent performance throughout his AHL career is undeniable. In 131 career AHL games, he’s amassed 54 points (16g, 38a). His journey to the Capitals began with the Florida Panthers, who drafted him in the fifth round (136th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. Before turning pro, he spent five seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL), accumulating 176 points (50g, 126a) in 233 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers and seattle Thunderbirds.
The Capitals’ decision to recall Rybinski signals their confidence in his advancement and potential to contribute at the NHL level. his strong performance in the AHL,coupled with Eller’s injury,creates an opportunity for Rybinski to showcase his skills on a larger stage. The team will be looking to him to provide energy and offensive support.
the Capitals’ next game is [Insert Date and Opponent Here],and fans will be eager to see if Rybinski makes his NHL debut or contributes to the team’s success in other ways. The team’s official website and social media channels will provide updates on Rybinski’s status and the team’s lineup.
