Washington Capitals reassign Andre Burakovsky to Hershey
By Jesse Jones
Just yesterday, Washington head coach Barry Trotz said that rookie forward Andre Burakovsky could be sent down to Hershey if he had continued to sit out of games as a healthy scratch.
And after Burakovsky did not play in last night’s 5-4 overtime win in Columbus – the fifth time in six games he had been scratched – Trotz did just that.
The move makes sense for both Burakovsky and the Washington Capitals.
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Although the 19-year-old leads the Capitals in points per 60 minutes with 2.07 and has 13 points this season in 26 games, his time on the ice has seen a serious hit because of his defense, according to Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post.
Down in Hershey, Burakovsky can continue to develop his offensive game while also learning how to play defense in a zone setting more.
Every coach wants their young guys to learn the game as quickly as possible while making sure that they are truly getting the right preparation and experience. And if Burakovsky is sitting on the bench in Washington, he’s not getting that valuable ice time.
Trotz can also recall Burakovsky whenever he wants, so this isn’t a permanent move.
From the Capitals’ public relations office:
"ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have re-assigned center Andre Burakovsky to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.Burakovsky, 19, appeared in 26 games with the Capitals this season, registering 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and six penalty minutes. The Malmo, Sweden, native made his NHL debut on Oct. 9 against Montreal and scored his first NHL goal in the first period. Burakovsky became the 13th player in Capitals history to score his first NHL goal in his first NHL game and is one of just seven players in franchise history to score a goal in his NHL debut and season opener. Burakovsky ranks tied for fifth among NHL rookies in assists this season and tied for seventh in points."
The Capitals will get back on the ice tomorrow night in New Jersey when they take on the Devils.
Washington is currently two points ahead of the New York Rangers with 36 points, but the Rangers have played in two less games.
Tomorrow night’s game from Newawk, New Jersey is set to start at 7 p.m.