Forward Zach Sill and defenseman Aaron Ness have been re-assigned to the Washington Capitals’ American Hockey League in Hershey, the team announced on Monday. The moves are most likely related to both Sill and Ness approaching a 30-day, 10-game benchmark that requires players being sent down to pass through waivers.
Ness’s re-assignment could mean defensemen John Carlson and Brooks Orpik, both on injured reserve with lower-body injuries, are nearing a return. Unless Washington recalls another defenseman from the AHL before the team’s game at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, the Capitals will have six healthy defensemen for the game, meaning Ryan Stanton would make his Washington debut.