Chandler Stephenson Recalled by Washington, Backman Leaves Hershey

The Washington Capitals have recalled center Chandler Stephenson. The 22-year-old has played four games for Washington this year, and 72 for the Chocolate and White. Washington plays Friday night in game five of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The recall leaves Hershey with three true centers for their opening playoff game against Lehigh Valley. Travis Boyd, Hampus Gustafsson, and Zach Sill. Nathan Walker, who partially converted to a center last season, will most likely see time centering a line Friday night.

As of the publishing of this post, there has been no word on who Stephenson is replacing in Washington, or if he will play Friday night for the Capitals.

Additionally, defenseman Mattias Backman and is not expected to skate for the team during their playoff run. The Bears still have strong depth on the left side of the blueline with Christian Djoos, Aaron Ness, Hubert Labrie, and Jonas Siegenthaler all left-handed defenseman for Hershey.

Full press release:

(Hershey, PA- April 21, 2017)-The Washington Capitals announced today that forward Chandler Stephenson has been recalled from the Hershey Bears hockey team.

Stephenson, 22, has appeared in four games with Washington this season. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native tallied 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) in 72 games this season with Hershey. He ranked fifth on the team in assists, and seventh overall in points. The center has skated in 174 career AHL contests with Hershey, scoring 81 points (25 goals, 56 assists). He was originally a third round selection, 77th overall, by Washington in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Hershey also announced that the club has released forwards Beck Malenstyn and Garrett Pilon from their tryout agreements. Additionally, Hershey announced defender Mattias Backman has left the team and is not expected to skate with the club during the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs.