The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Dmitry Orlov from AHL Hershey as an injury replacement for Tom Poti (back).
Orlov, 21, appeared in 60 games for Washington a season ago, scoring 3G-16A-19PTS while averaging close to 17 minutes per game.
Washington’s second-round pick (55th overall) at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Orlov missed extensive time for Hershey this season with a concussion but still managed to score 12 points in 22 games.
The Caps’ website says Orlov will participate in Tuesday’s morning skate in Pittsburgh -- Washington takes on the Pens later that evening -- and will wear No. 81, assuming he draws into the lineup for Poti.
Orlov is just the latest Hershey defenseman to be called up in the wake of blueline injuries (Poti, Mike Green, John Erskine).
In Sunday’s 5-3 win over Buffalo, the Caps’ defense featured 27-year-old rookie Steven Olesky, who made his NHL debut on Mar. 5.