The Capitals are expecting van Riemsdyk and Mantha back on Saturday. Edmundson is TBD.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals made a tough decision on Friday, sending Hardy Häman Aktell back to the AHL’s Hershey Bears with Trevor van Riemsdyk and more injured names nearing returns.
Both van Riemsdyk and Anthony Mantha are expected to draw back into the mix on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, forcing the team to make a corresponding move to activate them.
Häman Aktell, who had one assist in six games up with D.C., is one of the Capitals’ few waiver-exempt players, which played a part or in the decision to return him to the Bears.
Joel Edmundson is also closing in on a return, though his status is up in the air for Saturday.
Call-up Dylan McIlrath remains up with the team, as does Lucas Johansen and Alex Alexeyev, who require waivers.
With Häman Aktell loaned back to Hershey, Hendrix Lapierre, Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas are only players left on the roster who don’t need waivers.
Washington will have to make more choices when Edmundson and, much later on, Max Pacioretty are ready to be activated from IR.
This story is being updated in real time.