The Capitals have recalled the Swedish blueliner as they look to get something going to open the 2023-24 campaign.
Amid struggles and injuries to open the 2023-24 campaign, the Washington Capitals are bringing up defenseman Hardy Häman Aktell from the AHL's Hershey Bears.
With Häman Aktell being recalled, Washington has placed goaltender Charlie Lindgren on the injured reserve. Clay Stevenson remains up in D.C. in his place as Darcy Kuemper remains the starter.
Häman Aktell was one of the Capitals' top performers at training camp, but ultimately missed out on a roster spot, with Lucas Johansen winning the final roster spot on the blue line.
However, he will get his chance to show what he can do at the NHL level after an impressive start to his AHL career saw him play well at both ends of the ice and record his first career AHL goal through two games.
The 6-foot-3, 216-pound defenseman is a strong skater who uses his size to his advantage and can play a shutdown role in his own end. He can also add flair offensively, as he doesn't shy away from joining the rush and shooting the puck.
With Häman Aktell joining the mix, Washington now has another option on defense as Joel Edmundson recovers from a broken hand. The young Swede is exactly what the 1-2-0 Capitals need right now as they're struggling in their own end and also failing to generate a lot offensively.
Washington visits the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, and if Häman Aktell dresses, it will mark his NHL debut. He was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Draft but had remained in Europe until signing with D.C. this summer.