Hershey Bears forward Henrik Rybinski is on his way to the Washington Capitals for the first time. Hershey’s National Hockey League affiliate announced his recall on Saturday morning, opening the door for his potential debut on Sunday. It’s a well-deserved reward for Rybinski, who became an essential player for the Bears last season and has upped his game further this fall.
Rybinski on the Rise
2024-25 marks Rybinski’s third season with the Bears. The 23-year-old made big strides a season ago, particularly during the Calder Cup Playoffs. Rybinski took on a bigger role after serving as a black ace during the team’s run in 2023. He chipped in nine points (five goals, four assists) in 19 games in a solid showing. Rybinski largely played in a defensive role. He was a trusted center in any situation and grew into a big-time player during the postseason.
“Rybinski got off to a little bit of a slow start last season but was a stud for us down the stretch,” Bears head coach Todd Nelson said during training camp. “He played really well. I’m curious to see how he’s going to be at camp, really grew as a player.”
Rybinski needed just one game to score his first postseason goal. He jammed a rebound past Cal Petersen for a goal that stood up as the game-winner. Rybinski scored goals in each of his first two playoff games and his five tallies matched his regular season output. He’d score his biggest goal in Game Three of the Calder Cup Finals off the rush.
Rybinski, along with others like Bogdan Trineyev and Matt Strome, needed to take the next step in 2023-24. All three took on vital roles within the team’s bottom six, putting in hard work to give the team playoff wins. It all culminated in Strome’s overtime goal in Game Six to lift the Calder Cup.
On the Radar in D.C.
Rybinski followed up his Calder Cup performance with an impressive training camp in Washington. He was one of the last players sent to Hershey in order to be compliant with roster requirements. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery spoke highly of Rybinski after deploying him in defensive roles in exhibition play.
“I think he’s been one of the big surprises of someone that wasn’t necessarily on our radar to make the Washington Capitals,” Carbery said. “We’ve followed him and what he’s done in Hershey, becoming a bigger part of their Calder Cup-winning team last year. So, coming into camp, you’ve watched him a little bit in the American League, seen him, and now he really impressed our staff.
“I know management feels the same way. That’s why he’s earned the opportunity that he’s gotten into games. I thought he’s done a tremendous job of excelling in the games that he’s played in, and he’s been good in the practices. Feels like he’s trending [up] in our organization.”
Rybinski would bide his time and wait for an opportunity. He’d help raise a 13th Calder Cup banner in Hershey and look to raise his game even further.
Rybinski on a Roll
The 2024-25 season has been an impressive one for Rybinski. His outstanding performance might fly under the radar at a glance, but he’s been on of Hershey’s most consistent players. Prior to his recall, Rybinski tallied seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last six games. His 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) overall ranks third overall on the team. The count is already a single season best for him through just 28 games this season.
Rybinski has found the net while remaining a responsible player at both ends of the ice. His plus-nine rating ranks first among forwards and tied for second among all skaters. Saturday’s recall is his first call-up to the NHL with Lars Eller on injured reserve with illness. Rybinski can make his debut as early as Sunday evening on home ice.
Originally a fifth-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2019, Rybinski bounced around a bit before the Capitals swooped in. Washington signed him to an entry-level contract, where he made his impact in Hershey. His time in Washington will likely be short, with both Eller and Alex Ovechkin likely to return soon. However, with his entry-level contract ending this summer, it’s an opportunity to audition for more with the big club.
In the meantime, the Bears will have to up their game in Rybinski’s absence. Hershey is already a bit threadbare due to injuries and other recalls. Although the team is off to a strong start, they have plenty to improve upon with the Christmas break here against tough teams. They’ll have to find a way without one of their top forwards at both ends of the ice.
