Capitals Recall Leason To Help Fill In For Injured Oshie, Who Heads To IR

The Washington Capitals saw another major injury impact their roster on Thursday, announcing T.J. Oshie was week-to-week with a lower-body injury suffered in the 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. As a result, the Capitals placed the 34-year-old on the injured reserve and recalled right-wing Brett Leason from Hershey.

Roughly 6:38 minutes into the third period against Detroit, Oshie blocked a hard shot from Danny DeKeyser and fell hard to the ice. He appeared to be in pain and laboring as he made his way back to the bench, favoring his right foot. Oshie stayed on the bench and finished the game, but did not take part in Thursday’s optional skate.

Through seven games so far this season, Oshie has four goals and six points, including a hat trick.

It’s another major loss for Washington, who is already operating without center Nicklas Backstrom, who is on the LTIR while rehabbing a hip injury. Backstrom, however, is making good progress and has been skating on his own in full gear. The soonest he can return is Nov. 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers, per LTIR rules.

READ MORE ON WHN: Backstrom Skating In Full Gear, Making Progress Toward Capitals Return

In the meantime, Washington has been getting strong play from the likes of Hendrix Lapierre and Connor McMichael as both young forwards have stepped up to provide depth down the middle. Lapierre also played on the wing against the Red Wings and said he felt comfortable at that position. McMichael has also played wing before.

Now, Leason will get his chance to impress at the NHL level. The 22-year-old was Washington’s second-round selection in 2019, which was his final draft year. He had nine goals and 20 points in 33 games for the Bears last season, including 13 points in the final 15 games of the year, while also tripling his goal total from his rookie year. Leason has one goal in five games for Hershey so far in 2021-22.

Nic Dowd appeared to go down hard at Friday’s morning skate and left practice, indicating that line changes could see Leason make his debut if Dowd isn’t ready to go.