Why Carbery Recalled Sgarbossa Over Lapierre & Others To Fill Kuznetsov's Role For Capitals

The Capitals brought up Sgarbossa to address the void at center with Kuznetsov entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals were hit with some tough news after the All-Star Break, as Evgeny Kuznetsov is out indefinitely after entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

However, Spencer Carbery did find a way to find the positive out of the negative, rewarding Michael Sgarbossa with a call-up from the AHL's Hershey Bears to fill Kuznetsov's void.

It's an interesting choice for the Capitals, who have relied heavily on Hendrix Lapierre this season and also have other forward options waiting for their turn in Hershey. For Carbery, though, there were multiple reasons, the first being a testament to the work Sgarbossa has put in this season.

"He's earned that opportunity," Carbery said.

Sgarbossa leads the Bears with 36 assists and 43 points this season, and he has also thrived in a top-line center role while logging heavy minutes down at the AHL level. 

"It's a good opportunity for him to step in and play in a spot where it sets him up for a little bit of success and to show he can still play at this level and be a key contributor on a winning team," Carbery said.

Not only that, but he has played in 65 NHL games and has seven years of pro experience, and having that experience up on the roster is critical for D.C., which is in the throes of a playoff push and sits seven points out of Wild Card territory.

"The organization's decision to bring Sgarbs into this portion of the schedule and where we're at, I think bringing that veteran player in that's played a lot in the National Hockey League."

When it comes to Lapierre, Carbery explained that he wants to give the 21-year-old time to continue to develop and log heavy minutes in Hershey rather than get limited ice time up in the District.

"Lappy has done a lot of good things, got a good taste, has played some meaningful games, has done a good job... not that Lappy couldn't excel in that role, I just think in this situation, letting Lappy continue to play big minutes in a large role in the American Hockey League in this portion of the season, it was the best decision for our team at this point."