Bogdan Trineyev is set to make his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals against the Winnipeg Jets, a milestone he’s chased for years. At 23, the winger will receive a game sweater from head coach Spencer Carbery, with Sonny Milano healthy-scratched for the contest.
This marks Trineyev’s second recall of the season in as many weeks, after an injury to Ryan Leonard earlier in the month left him on injured reserve. He’s been a healthy scratch for five games before finally getting the chance to skate in Winnipeg.
Ahead of the game, Carbery explained what he wants from the young forward in his first appearance at hockey’s highest level. “Just be yourself,” he said. “I told him yesterday the plan was for him to play tonight and get his first NHL game, and he’s done a great job inside the organization. He had a strong start in Hershey; our player development coaches rave about his overall 200-foot game and how well he’s played in the American Hockey League. I know he’s been up here for a while, so he’s been waiting for an opportunity. He will tonight, and that’s a lifelong goal of his, so just go out there and be yourself. Go compete hard, don’t worry about mistakes. Just go and play your game.”
Trineyev will line up on the Capitals’ right wing on the fourth line, alongside Brandon Duhaime and Hendrix Lapierre, with Milano exiting the lineup after a 6:09 icetime against the Hurricanes on Thursday. This season, the Russian forward has emerged as a key player for Hershey in his third full year with the organization under head coach Derek King. He’s frequently used on the penalty kill and has also seen time on the second-power-play unit.
Carbery reflected on Trineyev’s development, noting that the recent camp was an improvement over his first. Language barriers and comfort level were real hurdles at times, but Bogdan has continued to grow. He recalled Trineyev’s Calder Cup-winning year and said the next step has involved him adapting to a more consistent role in practice and play. The coach drew a parallel with Ethen Frank’s ascent last season: a standout performance once he was among 23 NHL players rather than a larger group during camp.
Despite multiple recalls, Trineyev remains third on Hershey in points with 12 (6 goals, 6 assists) in 16 games. The 2020 fourth-round pick will wear number 87 for the Capitals, becoming the first Capitals player to debut with those digits since Liam O’Brien’s era (2015–2018).
Trineyev will be the Capitals’ first NHL debut of the season, with puck drop in Winnipeg slated for 7:00 p.m.
