Patrick Wey is set to make his NHL debut tonight against the Nashville Predators. Photo by Nancie Battaglia for USA Hockey
Patrick Wey is set to make his NHL debut tonight against the Nashville Predators. Photo by Nancie Battaglia for USA Hockey

The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Patrick Wey from the Hershey Bears. To make room for Patrick Wey, the Capitals sent down defenseman Tyson Strachan, who had 0 points and 19 PIM in his 9 games with the Capitals. Like Strachan, Patrick Wey is right-handed.

Patrick Wey is 22 years old. In 15 games this season, split between the Hershey Bears and the Reading Royals, he has 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists). He has pretty good size for a defenseman, as he is between 6’2″ and 200 pounds (listed by the Capitals website) and 6’3″ and 210 pounds (listed by www.hockeydb.com). He will wear number 56. He played his college hockey at Boston College, where he was a fixture on their blue line. He was born in Pittsburgh, but if he plays well, I’m sure people will be willing to overlook that flaw.

As far as hockey, he is very effective at moving the puck. He can lead the rush should the situation arise. While his shot is still being developed, he has above-average vision and sets up plays well. His defense was thought to be a work in progress, but he has shown a ton of improvement there so far this season, so I think he deserves a chance to play. Strachan wasn’t doing anything anyway, so giving Wey a chance is definitely a low risk move that could lead to high rewards. I project him to be a solid two-way defenseman.

Tonight, the Capitals take on the Nashville Predators. While ex-Capitals prospect Filip Forsberg is not on the Predators right now, former Capitals center and goalie paralyzer Matt Hendricks is. Martin Erat will be facing his former team, as will Michael Latta and Joel WardJack Hillen is also a former Predator, but he is still on the LTIR. In honor of Matt Hendricks, here’s the craziest shootout move you will ever see.