Capitals Loan Jonny Brodzinski Back to Hershey Bears as Pierre-Luc Dubois Nears Return
By Brian Hradsky
October 21, 2026
The Washington Capitals have loaned forward Jonny Brodzinski to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced Wednesday. The 33-year-old veteran returns to Hershey after appearing in two NHL games during a brief recall that began October 17. Brodzinski recorded one assist during his time with Washington, setting up Ryan Leonard’s opening goal in Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. The roster move comes as center Pierre-Luc Dubois approaches a return from an illness that has sidelined him for five consecutive games.
Brodzinski Returns to Hershey After Brief NHL Recall
Washington recalled Brodzinski on October 17 after Dubois was placed on injured reserve because of an illness. The Capitals were also dealing with the absence of Justin Sourdif, creating additional challenges for head coach Spencer Carbery’s forward combinations. Brodzinski provided an experienced option at center while Washington navigated its depleted lineup. His recall allowed the Capitals to maintain depth without making a more substantial roster change.
Brodzinski appeared against the New Jersey Devils on October 17 and the Los Angeles Kings on October 20. He primarily centered Washington’s fourth line alongside Leonard and Anthony Beauvillier, averaging approximately 9 minutes and 23 seconds of ice time during his two appearances. The veteran finished his brief stint with four shots on goal and one assist. Although his time in Washington was limited, he provided useful depth during an important stretch of the early season.
His most notable contribution came Tuesday against Los Angeles when he assisted on Leonard’s first-period goal. Brodzinski helped create the scoring opportunity as Leonard carried the puck into the offensive zone and beat Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper. The goal gave Washington an early 1-0 advantage before the Capitals eventually built a two-goal lead. Los Angeles responded with five unanswered goals to secure its first victory of the season.
Pierre-Luc Dubois Moves Closer to Returning
Brodzinski’s assignment coincides with encouraging developments surrounding Dubois, who has missed Washington’s previous five games because of illness. Dubois participated in Wednesday’s practice wearing a regular jersey after previously skating in a non-contact jersey. His increased participation suggests that he is making progress toward returning to the lineup. However, the Capitals have not yet officially confirmed that he will play Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.
Dubois recorded one goal and three assists for four points during his first four appearances of the 2026-27 season. He averaged 17 minutes and six seconds of ice time while providing Washington with an important presence at center. His absence forced the Capitals to make adjustments throughout their forward lineup and rely more heavily on depth players. Getting Dubois back would provide Carbery with another established option for offensive production, defensive assignments and special-teams situations.
Washington has experienced several lineup challenges during the opening weeks of the season. Dubois and Sourdif have both missed time because of illness, while defenseman Rasmus Sandin remains sidelined with a knee injury. Matt Roy recently returned after missing six games with a lower-body injury, providing an important reinforcement on defense. The Capitals will look to regain additional personnel as they prepare for their next home game.
Brodzinski Has Been Productive With Hershey
Before his recall, Brodzinski established himself as one of Hershey’s most productive offensive players during the opening portion of the AHL season. He recorded two goals and three assists for five points in four games with the Bears. His production ranked tied for second on the team at the time of Wednesday’s announcement. The veteran also recorded at least one point in each of his four appearances.
Brodzinski delivered his strongest early-season performance October 11 against the Texas Stars, scoring twice in Hershey’s 6-1 victory. One of his goals stood as the game-winner, and he received first-star honors following the contest. His offensive contributions helped the Bears establish momentum during their opening homestand. Hershey will now welcome back an experienced player who has already demonstrated his ability to produce at the AHL level.
The veteran also serves as an alternate captain for the Bears, giving Hershey another important leadership presence. His experience includes several seasons of NHL and AHL competition, making him a valuable contributor both on the ice and in the locker room. The Bears will look for Brodzinski to continue producing offensively while helping younger players develop. His return strengthens Hershey’s forward depth as the team continues its early-season schedule.
Veteran Forward Brings Extensive Professional Experience
Brodzinski signed with Washington as a free agent July 1 after spending six seasons in the New York Rangers organization. He appeared in 55 NHL games with New York during the previous season, recording six goals and 10 assists for 16 points. His experience provided Washington with another veteran capable of competing for a depth role during training camp. Although he began the regular season in Hershey, his recent recall demonstrated that he remains an option when the Capitals need additional forwards.
Originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Brodzinski has played 266 career NHL games. He has recorded 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points during stints with Los Angeles, San Jose and the New York Rangers. His professional experience includes several different organizational systems and roles. That background makes him a dependable depth option for Washington while providing valuable leadership in Hershey.
Brodzinski has also enjoyed a productive AHL career, accumulating 128 goals and 144 assists for 272 points in 317 games. His ability to generate offense at the minor-league level has made him an important contributor throughout his professional career. He has demonstrated that he can handle significant offensive responsibilities in the AHL while remaining capable of filling an NHL depth role. Washington benefits from having that flexibility within its organization.
Capitals Look to Recover From Kings Loss
Washington enters the next portion of its schedule following a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The Capitals established a 2-0 first-period lead behind goals from Leonard and Cole Hutson before surrendering five unanswered goals. The loss ended Washington’s two-game winning streak and dropped the team to 5-4-0. The Capitals will look to regroup before hosting Buffalo on Saturday.
The possible return of Dubois could provide an important boost to Washington’s forward group. His presence would give Carbery additional flexibility when assembling lines and distributing ice time. Dubois also offers size, experience and the ability to contribute in different game situations. However, the coaching staff will need to evaluate his conditioning and readiness after an extended absence.
Washington also received another injury concern Wednesday when goaltender Logan Thompson missed practice because of a lower-body issue. Thompson is considered day-to-day after making 21 saves against Los Angeles. His availability for Saturday has not been determined, creating another situation for the Capitals to monitor. The team will have several days of practice before returning to game action.
Hershey Prepares to Host Belleville
Brodzinski returns to Hershey as the Bears prepare to conclude their season-opening seven-game homestand. Hershey will host the Belleville Senators on Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. at GIANT Center. The matchup provides an opportunity for Brodzinski to return immediately to the lineup if the coaching staff determines he is ready. His offensive production and leadership could provide a boost against another AHL opponent.
The Bears have benefited from contributions from several younger players during the opening weeks of the season. Andrew Cristall has emerged as an important offensive producer, while Brodzinski provided veteran scoring before his NHL recall. Bringing Brodzinski back gives Hershey another experienced option capable of supporting the team’s offensive attack. His presence should also help the Bears maintain depth as Washington continues evaluating its NHL roster.
MSB Take
Returning Brodzinski to Hershey makes sense for the Capitals if Dubois is close to being cleared for game action. Brodzinski provided valuable depth during his brief recall and contributed an assist on Leonard’s goal against Los Angeles. However, Dubois plays a more significant role in Washington’s lineup and gives Carbery additional options at center. The Capitals need their established forwards healthy as they attempt to recover from Tuesday’s disappointing loss.
For Hershey, the transaction represents an important addition to a roster that has already benefited from Brodzinski’s offensive production. Five points in four games demonstrates his ability to contribute immediately, while his experience and leadership provide additional value. His return also gives the Bears another dependable veteran capable of helping younger prospects develop throughout the season. Hershey should benefit from having him available during its upcoming home games.
The biggest development remains the possibility of Dubois returning Saturday against Buffalo. Washington has struggled with injuries and illness during the opening weeks, forcing the coaching staff to make several lineup adjustments. Getting Dubois back would strengthen the Capitals’ forward depth and provide another experienced offensive contributor. Brodzinski’s assignment is encouraging, but Washington must still confirm that Dubois is fully ready before placing him back in the lineup.
