Dmitry Orlov has been recalled by the Washington Capitals from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, according to a league source. He’s expected to join the team in Pittsburgh before Tuesday’s game at the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 21-year-old defenseman missed three months with a concussion. In four games since returning, Orlov has three assists.
Orlov’s recall was necessitated by defenseman Tom Poti aggravating a back injury. The team announced the move just after 4 p.m. Tomas Kundratek (right knee) was placed on injured reserve retroactive to March 14 to make room on the 23-man roster.
Orlov played 60 regular-season games with the Caps last season, putting up three goals and 16 assists.
Asked about Orlov recently, Caps coach Adam Oates called him a “prospect” who played a few games in Washington last year. Cameron Schilling got the call last week when injuries piled up, but this time it was Orlov.
The young defenseman is a left-handed shot but prefers to play the right side. He could be in the lineup Tuesday night against the Penguins in place of Poti.
Defenseman Mike Green (groin) is not yet ready to play. Oates said he’s optimistic Green could play on the Caps’ four-game road trip. John Erskine (apparent left hand/wrist/arm) has not skated with the team in over a week.
