Capitals Return Sgarbossa To Hershey, Which Could Be Good Sign For Chychrun

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have re-assigned forward Mike Sgarbossa to the AHL's Hershey Bears, which could end up being a good sign for injured defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

Chychrun is currently on the injured reserve as he deals with an upper-body ailment, though Sgarbossa's return indicates that the team may be ready to activate him sooner rather than later as it frees up a roster spot. He can come off the IR at any time.

The 26-year-old blueliner has missed the last four games with an injury he suffered in the opening minutes of the Oct. 29 game against the New York Rangers. It's unclear exactly what happened to Chychrun, but he appeared to be clutching at his back and hip before leaving the ice.

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Chychrun has been skating in a non-contact jersey and making progress, and head coach Spencer Carbery didn't necessarily rule out a potential return in the team's upcoming back-to-back this weekend.

The Capitals play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday before heading to St. Louis to take on the Blues on Saturday.

Getting Chychrun back would be a huge boost and finally put the blue line back at full strength, as Matt Roy just made his long-awaited return from a lower-body injury suffered back in the season opener.

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Through eight games this season, Chychrun has two goals and two assists, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-5. He eats big minutes and works well with John Carlson on the top pairing, and he has also shown D.C. that he could be a member of the team's future core as he eyes an extension and long-term home.