Eminger Returned to Kitchener

The Washington Capitals today announced that they are returning defenceman Steve Eminger to the Kitchener Rangers on Tuesday.

Eminger, who won a silver medal with Canada’s National Junior Team on Sunday, is expected to join the Rangers today and suit up against the Saginaw Spirit on Friday.

“Returning Steve to Kitchener is in his best interest at this time,” said Capitals’ general manager George McPhee. “He gained valuable experience while playing in the NHL for three months and at the recent World Junior Championships. In order for Steve to more fully develop, he needs to earn plenty of ice time in juniors and pursue a championship at that level. We’re extremely pleased that he’s a part of our organization and expect him to be a bright part of our future.”

Eminger, a 19-year-old native of Woodbridge, was the Capitals’ first round pick, 12th overall, at the NHL Entry Draft in Toronto last June. He picked up two assists and 24 penalty minutes in 17 NHL games before joining Team Canada in Nova Scotia last month.

He joins the Rangers, who are first in the Western Conference with 27 wins and 59 points. Eminger was a second team OHL all-star last season after scoring 19 goals and 58 points and a team-leading plus-24 plus-minus rating in 64 games.