Washington Capitals make surprise waiver move and recall four players before preseason game

The Washington Capitals shook up their roster on Saturday, placing veteran defenseman Justin Holl on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.

Holl signed a one year, one way contract worth $900,000 this past offseason after stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues, and he was expected to provide steady depth on the back end for head coach Spencer Carbery.

To fill out the roster for today's game, Washington recalled four players from the organization.

Forward Tyler Kopff, acquired over the summer in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres, gets a look after a strong showing in camp.

He is joined by fellow forward Petr Sikora, the twenty year old Czech prospect who signed a three year entry level deal following a standout world junior tournament, and by Alex Suzdalev, another young forward the club has been developing through its system.

Defenseman Jacob MacDonald, last year's Eddie Shore Award winner as the AHL's top blueliner, rounds out the group of callups.

Holl's waiver placement opens a spot on the roster as Washington continues shaping its final lineup ahead of the regular season opener.

The move gives management a clearer picture of its depth chart while the newly recalled players get a chance to make an impression in game action.

Holl remains exposed to waivers for the next 24 hours, meaning another team could claim him before he ever suits up for Hershey.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Montreal Canadiens cut a whopping 12 players from camp as opening night roster takes shape