The Capitals are set to welcome back one of their offseason acquisitions as they announced that they have activated defenseman Joel Edmundson off long-term injured reserve. The previously reported activations of Anthony Mantha and Trevor van Riemsdyk were also confirmed. In a corresponding move, Dylan McIlrath has been assigned to AHL Hershey.
Edmundson was acquired just as free agency was starting this summer, coming over in a trade from Montreal in exchange for a third-round pick and a seventh-round selection, both in 2024. As part of the swap, the Canadiens held back half of Edmundson’s $3.5MM cap hit.
The 30-year-old suffered a hand injury early in training camp and has yet to play this season. Staying healthy has been a challenge for Edmundson who has also battled back issues over the past couple of seasons. Last year, he had 13 points along with 149 blocks and 112 hits in 61 games while averaging 19:34 of ice time and should push for a top four spot on Washington’s depth chart before too long.
Getting off to a strong start and staying healthy will certainly be important for Edmundson. It’s a contract year so he’ll be looking to prove that he can be serviceable and durable as he gets set to test free agency in the summer.
As for McIlrath, he was recalled last Saturday and got into one game, suiting up for the Caps on Tuesday. The 31-year-old has spent the bulk of the season with the Bears, picking up three assists and 23 penalty minutes in 11 games.