The Washington Capitals have opted for a right-handed option for their blue line by calling up Connor Carrick from the Hershey Bears and sending down Aaron Ness.

The Washington Capitals have had an extra defenseman since December 6th, when the Caps needed an extra defenseman due to the injuries to blue liners Brooks Orpik and Karl Alzner. Ness has not appeared in any games, but the left-handed defenseman will be heading back to the Hershey Bears to make room for right-handed defenseman Connor Carrick, who is on his way to DC to join the Caps.

Connor Carrick has done well for the Hershey Bears so far this season. He has 15 points in 26 games with the Bears so far this season and has been especially impressive while running the point on the power play. He played with the Caps during the 2013-2014 season as a 19-year-old. He has benefited from being allowed to develop and get more minutes with the Bears. Having watched him several times this season, he looks like he’s finally ready to be in the NHL.

From the Washington Post:

In a swap of defensemen Thursday, the Washington Capitals recalled Connor Carrick from their American Hockey League affiliate while reassigning Aaron Ness. Ness, 25, is not waiver-eligible, so he can be returned to the Hershey Bears without risk of being swiped by another team. Ness has been a healthy scratch for the five games he’s been in Washington. Trotz said at the time of Ness’s call-up that the team was between recalling either Ness or Carrick, and the decision came down to who had been more consistent.

Ness had been more consistent at the time. However, Connor Carrick has since shown much more consistency in his game. Carrick would most likely see third pairing minutes with Dmitry Orlov. A third pairing of Orlov and Carrick could definitely work. The third pairing archetype of two guys with high upside on offense who can move the puck is one that has worked well as long as that pairing can be sheltered properly.

Connor Carrick has improved immensely since the 2013-2014 season. However, he still struggles a bit in the defensive zone. If given offensive zone starts, I think he could have success in the NHL this season. The Caps play the Lightning on Friday.