The Capitals have returned winger Pierrick Dube to the AHL’s Hershey Bears, per a team release issued Monday. The 23-year-old’s first NHL call-up ends after three games played over the last two weeks.
An undrafted free agent signed by the Caps last summer, Dubé has exploded to lead the league-dominating Bears with 24 goals in 50 games. GM Brian MacLellan nabbed his services with a two-year, entry-level contract worth $1.9MM.
The right-winger played three straight contests to close out February but was a healthy scratch in Washington’s last two games. The French youngster recorded a +1 rating, 2 PIMs, and three shots on goal, averaging 9:20 per game.
Dubé remains waiver-exempt and can be assigned to Hershey at the Capitals’ discretion. Assigning him to the minors leaves them with an open roster spot and $3.74MM in cap space. He’ll likely remain high on the list of call-up options for the Caps down the stretch run should injuries or trades force them to rely on their AHL depth.
He rejoins a Hershey squad that’s torn through the AHL this year with a 41-10-4 record, sitting in first place in the league. However, they’ve dropped their last two games by a score of 1-0 and could sorely use his offense to get back in the win column.