Miroshnichenko is impressing, Leonard is showcasing his skill and more updates from the first two days of Capitals Development Camp.

ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Walking into MedStar Capitals Iceplex to kick off development camp, the Washington Capitals prospects ended up taking the ice in the dark due to a widespread local power outage, balancing on their edges and showcasing their skating as if they were under a spotlight.

Besides, that's what development camp is all about: showcasing your skills and proving your worth so that one day you can make it to the highest level.

That being said, several players have taken this opportunity and run with it, the first being Ivan Miroshnichenko.

Miroshnichenko is finally in North America and is coming off a stellar KHL year following a bout with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The 2022 first-rounder has carried over that pro experience onto the ice at MedStar and has shown that the hype surrounding his arrival is very much real.

It's clear that Miroshnichenko has gotten his strength and muscle back -- and then some -- following months of chemotherapy last year that led to weight loss and, as assistant general manager Ross Mahoney described, his blue jeans hanging off his hips. He's bigger and powerful and he is outworking his opponents in the drills and utilizing every weapon in his skill set to take center stage.

Miroshnichenko makes everything look easy. The 20-year-old skates well plays and thinks the game at a high speed and has a lethal shot that comes off his stick effortlessly with pinpoint accuracy and booming power.

Given this is the first real glimpse that the Capitals have gotten to see of him on the homefront, it's a great sign as he makes the transition to the pro game overseas and kicks off his entry-level deal. 

Then, there's Ryan Leonard, the 2023 No. 8 overall pick, who wants to prove that the retooling Washington squad made the right choice. He has done that so far, using his strength and power to his advantage. He is among the more rounded-out prospects on the ice and hasn't given up on any drill. And though his physicality has been prominent, he still has quick hands and skill to show as well.

"It's pretty special. The NHL is kinda here now... it makes me better," Leonard said of camp and going up against other top prospects, adding, "We're just trying to push each other and build a relationship with the coaching staff."

As for what he hopes to get out of this experience, Leonard, who is preparing to head to Boston College in the fall, is hoping that he can show that he's a major asset that can continue to grow and show consistency following his stellar showing in the NTDP.

"Probably just confidence, honestly," he said. "Just feel confident that I can play and still be special at the next level. People here are awesome and special players, so to surround yourself with that but still be one of the good players at the camp is kind of honoring. But just kinda want to keep moving forward."

As for other standouts, Alexander Suzdalev is showcasing his quick hands and scoring ability and doing what he can to show that he's a lethal player that can still put up top numbers and be a major threat without Connor Bedard as his center. Meanwhile, 2021 fifth-rounder Haakon Hanelt, who is set to play in the DEL next season and continue his development overseas following injuries and hardships in the QMJHL, continues to show his potential.

Honorable mentions: Andrew Cristall, Ryan Hofer, Ryan Leibold, Ryan Chesley, David Gucciardi