The Capitals saw two prospects capture gold as Team USA defeated Sweden to close out World Juniors.
The Capitals saw two prospects capture gold as Team USA defeated Sweden to close out World Juniors.
The Washington Capitals saw two of their top prospects capture gold at World Juniors on Friday, as Ryan Chesley and Ryan Leonard helped Team USA to a 6-2 win over Sweden to close out the IIHF World Junior Championships.
Leonard scored late to make it 5-2 and help ice the game for Team USA, powering to the front and winning a physical fight for the puck before sneaking in a quick shot. He then celebrated by blowing a kiss to the crowd.
Leonard played on the third line with Gabe Perreault and Will Smith, who also found the scoresheet in the win, and he had also a couple of nice looks and drives on a power play in the third before his goal. Chesley skated on the top pairing with Lane Hutson and helped shut down Sweden's impressive young arsenal.
Chesley had an assist in the Americans' comeback win over Finland to advance to the gold medal game and finished with a goal and three assists in seven appearances. He was a solid defenseman who didn't shy away from joining the rush for Team USA and finally captured gold after winning bronze last year.
Leonard had three goals and three assists for six points in seven games, along with four penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of plus-1. In his WJC debut, he had eight shots, and he was a force to be reckoned with all tournament long while managing a point in all but one outing.
Both Chesley and Leonard continue to show strong development and are on impressive tracks to the pros.
Chesley, taken in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, is enjoying a strong sophomore season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers with two goals and four assists, along with a plus/minus of plus-9, in 18 games.
Leonard, who was taken eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is adapting well to the NCAA life with Boston College. He has 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points in 17 games, along with 20 penalty minutes.
A gold medal is a major feat to add to the list of their respective accomplishments, and now, they will head back to the NCAA with even more confidence as they continue their respective paths. It's up to them and the Capitals when they will take the next step.
It also marked the first time that the Capitals saw a player compete for a gold medal at World Juniors since Connor McMichael in 2021.