Liam O'Brien News

O'Brien hasn't played since Dec. 16th due to a hand injury but is expected to return to the Coyotes' lineup Friday vs. Chicago. The 28-year-old had one goal, four assists, 16 SOG, and 40 PIMs across 28 games prior to the injury.

O'Brien had one shot and two hits in 11:43 TOI in the Coyotes loss on Saturday. Tonight he'll be replaced by Antoine Roussel.

Both Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nic Dowd are dealing with injuries and questionable for Friday's game, so O'Brien comes up and could make his season debut vs. Buffalo. The 25-year-old centre has just two points (1G / 1A) in 17 career NHL games and has registered three goals in his first nine AHL games this season.

O’Brien, 24, had 15 goals and 13 assists (28 points) in 74 games with the Hershey Bears (AHL) this season. The undrafted centre has just one goal and one assist in 17 career NHL games with Washington.

O’Brien played just 6:08 TOI in his season debut on Monday, but it looks like T.J. Oshie is ready to play on Wednesday, so O’Brien returns to Hershey.

O’Brien, 22, appeared in 13 games with the Capitals last season, but he is set to make his season debut on Monday. O’Brien has five goals and 13 assists (18 points) in 28 games with Hershey this season and comes to the Capitals with one goal and one assist in his NHL career. T.J. Oshie is doubtful to play tonight, which is why O’Brien was recalled.

O’Brien, 20, registered two points (1G / 1A) in 13 games with the Capitals this season. The 6’1”, 210-pound forward signed with Washington as a free agent on Oct. 6 and made his NHL debut on Oct. 9 against Montreal. O’Brien earned his first NHL point on Oct. 14 against San Jose and scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 26 at Vancouver.

O'Brien had 20 goals, 15 assists and 148 PIMs in 68 games with Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) last season. At 6-foot-1, 205 lbs. O'Brien brings size and a physical brand of hockey to the Capitals and he has a legitimate chance at cracking the starting lineup on opening day.