Malenstyn will miss 6-8 weeks after blocking a shot against Vegas in the Capitals' previous game. He will undergo surgery to stabilize a finger fracture. In five games with Washington this season, he has two points (1G/1A) and four shots, while averaging only 8:34 TOI.
Both Malenstyn and Brett Leason were sent to the AHL on Monday, seemingly opening the door for Tom Wilson to return to the lineup on Tuesday. Michael Sgarbossa also tested out of COVID-19 protocol and will be available to play Tuesday.
The Capitals sent Axel Jonsson Fjällby to the AHL yesterday to preserve his waiver exempt status, so Malenstyn and Michael Sgarbossa come up to help replace T.J. Oshie and Conor Sheary. Malenstyn has scored one goal with two assists in 15 games this season.
Washington continues to dance around the salary cap and Malenstyn is among their latest call-ups. The 2016 fifth-round pick has three goals and three assists (six points) in 18 AHL games this season and doesn't figure to make his NHL debut on Wednesday.
