The Capitals are hoping the Swede can help fix key issues at both ends of the ice.

After the Washington Capitals saw things fall apart in Ottawa as they were outplayed and outskated in a 6-1 loss to the Senators, the team knew things needed to change. So they took one step toward that and rang defenseman Hardy Häman Aktell, letting him know it was time to come up to the NHL.

Häman Aktell was one of the standouts at the team's training camp following an impressive preseason that saw him log big minutes, play a physical shutdown game and get pucks on net, but ultimately, he'd start the year in the AHL with the Hershey Bears with Lucas Johansen and Alex Alexeyev winning those final roster spots.

However, Washington's lackluster showing at both ends through its 1-2-0 start to the campaign has Spencer Carbery making a change on the blue line.

"Diving into the numbers, our bottom pair’s had a real tough time in the first three games, and we need some consistency there," Carbery explained to reporters following Friday's practice in Montreal. "We need something in that bottom pair that can give us reliable minutes, and that’s what we’re looking for."

Washington's not only struggling in its own end, having been outshot heavily in its first three games while giving up grade-A opportunities, but the Capitals are also struggling to generate offense and get pucks on net. John Carlson is the only defenseman so far to register a point for the club, and the club has yet to convert off of sustained pressure int the offensive zone (all goals have come off the rush).

Enter the 6-foot-4 Swede, who brought his standout play down to the AHL to open the season for Hershey. He has one goal through two games, has been getting the puck on net and has taken on a role as a top defender.

"It was good. I played a lot, played a lot of PK and had two good games. [It moves] quickly down there, too, so it’s good for me to get a little bit more adjusted to the smaller rink and just good experience to be down there," Häman Aktell noted of his time with the Bears.

The 25-year-old, who was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2016 but is just starting out in North America following years in Europe, is expected to make his NHL debut on Saturday in Montreal on a third pairing alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk.

"Loss for words almost. I heard [Montreal's] one of the best places you can do it, so I’m really happy for that," Häman Aktell added. "When I signed my contract, I didn’t know where I would play... so try to have a good minset wherever I play. So it’s just fun to be up here and play."

Häman Aktell knows that the pressure is on, especially with Washington seeking a quick fix to its struggles to begin the year. However, his plan is to just play his game, which includes continuing to adjust well to the smaller ice and making the most of each shift.

"It goes a lot quicker to the net, and when you have the puck you dont have as much as time as you have over there," Häman Aktell said. "But it’s still the same sport. So you just have to adjust small things, and it goes pretty good."