O'Brien was re-assigned to AHL Hershey on Sunday. O'Brien's NHL stint lasted 13 games, as he recorded two points (one goal). His assignment could signal the return of Aaron Volpatti, who has yet to play this season after undergoing offseason surgery.

O'Brien may be headed to Hershey (AHL) in the near future, The Washington Post reports. The 20-year-old rookie can be moved between Hershey and Washington without being exposed to waivers, which will likely afford him more regular playing time at the lower level, at least until the Caps have a need for forward depth again.

O'Brien (lower body) surprisingly returned to action Wednesday versus the Islanders, delivering three hits and one shot attempt over his 6:42 of ice time. It seemed implied during morning skate that O'Brien would sit out after he worked as extra during line rushes, but coach Barry Trotz evidently felt he was ready to go. The fourth liner missed the Caps' previous five games while dealing with the lower-body injury.

O'Brien (lower body) will not play Wednesday against the Islanders, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. O'Brien was on the ice for rushes with the fourth line, but went after Evgeny Kuznetsov, suggesting he'll miss another game. The 20-year-old looks like he's recovered from the injury at this point and could return over the weekend for either both of the Capitals' back-to-back contests.

O'Brien (lower body) was a full participant in Monday's practice, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. O'Brien has been out since Nov. 11 with the injury, but looks likely to suit up Wednesday against the Islanders since he's practicing with contact. The depth center provided a goal and an assist in 12 games before getting hurt.

O'Brien (lower body) skated as an extra Saturday morning, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. It doesn't look as though O'Brien will play Saturday night against the Sabres, put his participation with his mates in the morning can be inferred as a positive step in his recovery. He could be ready to go in time for Wednesday's game versus the Islanders.

O'Brien (lower body) skated on his own after the Capitals' morning skate Thursday, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. O'Brien will miss his fourth straight game Thursday versus the Avalanche, but he looks to be showing some signs of progress. He'll probably need to practice with the team for a day or two before he's considered a realistic lineup option.

O'Brien (lower body) will not play Tuesday against the Coyotes, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. After failing to take the ice for morning skate, O'Brien will spend his third game in the press box. It's not clear how much progress he's made in his recovery from injury or when he might be available next.

O'Brien (lower body) will not play Saturday against the Blues. The fourth-liner was unable to participate fully in Saturday's morning skate, so the decision to rest him doesn't come as much of a surprise. O'Brien will be replaced in the lineup by Chris Brown.

O'Brien (lower body) left the ice early during morning skate and doesn't appear likely to play Saturday against the Blues, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. The early departure would indicate that O'Brien is still experiencing some lingering soreness with his lower-body injury, which figures to sideline him for a second straight contest. Chris Brown figures to enter the lineup in place of O'Brien, as he did in Friday's loss to the Devils.