Why The Capitals Sent Lapierre Back To Hershey Over Miroshnichenko: 'We're Trying To Make The Best Decision For Him Possible'

The Washington Capitals were put in a tough spot on Sunday, as they had to decide to send either Hendrix Lapierre or Ivan Miroshnichenko down to the AHL with Lars Eller back and ready to play. They ultimately chose Lapierre, sending him back down to the AHL's Hershey Bears with his graduation to the NHL not going as planned.

Lapierre started the year up with Washington after a strong finish to last year, where he shined with the Capitals and then earned the title of the Calder Cup Playoffs MVP after an impressive run with the Bears. However, from the start of training camp, his struggles were evident.

Through 27 games, the Quebec native managed just eight assists and was a minus-3, while he also spent a good part of the time playing limited minutes or watching as a healthy scratch.

That said, coach Spencer Carbery and the Capitals felt it best to send Lapierre back to Hershey to get him more playing time, a bigger role and most importantly, confidence.

"With the way the season’s gone and the depth at the center position and Lappy's minutes, being in the stands, we felt as an organization it’s best for him to get playing for Hershey, in the AHL," Casrbery said. "Get his game in a good spot, confident again, rather than him being here playing limited minutes or being in the stands."

Beyond that, Carbery wants to see Lapierre develop the right way. He's only 22 and still has ways to go, and more time in the AHL to get up to speed will work wonders as he grows his game.

"You gotta think: everybody’s development path is different. Everybody matures at different ages and speeds, everybody adapts to the NHL game at different speeds," Carbery said, adding, "As long as you’re continuing to get better and progress, you’re going to end up at your absolute max potential. That’s all we’re trying to do, is help Lappy get to his absolute max potential."

"So at the end of his career in 15 years, he looks back and says, 'I couldn’t get anything more out of my career and I was a great player for the Washington Capitals and I was the best player I could possibly be... we’re trying to make the best decision for him possible for the future not just for the organization but for his career.