ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have assigned center Michael Latta to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Latta, 22, made his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at United Center. The Kitchener, Ontario, native split last season between Milwaukee (AHL) and Hershey, registering 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) and 198 penalty minutes in 76 games. The 6’0”, 212-pound center also skated in five playoff games for the Bears last season, collecting three points (two goals, one assist) in five games. Latta has registered 66 points (24 goals, 42 assists) and 300 penalty minutes in 131 career AHL regular-season games.

Latta, along with Martin Erat, was acquired by Washington from Nashville in exchange for Filip Forsberg on April 3, 2013. Latta was originally drafted by Nashville in the third round, 72nd overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.