ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Ryan Leonard leads the stretches after the third day of Washington Capitals Development Camp, smiling big while going in and checking in on a couple of his fellow teammates that he had no problem chirping a bit during the afternoon session. It's all in good fun, of course, but it's another example of the high compete level and passion he brings to the ice. It's exactly the statement that Leonard wants to make as he looks to live up to a promise he made after going eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft less than a week ago: to prove that the Capitals made the right choice. So far, he's putting in the work to live up to that statement -- and then some. Leonard, rocking custom CCM skates that feature the American flag, has been dominating so far at the team's mini-camp, making a statement with his phsyicality, power, speed and skills. "The NHL is kind of here now," he laughed, adding of playing with fellow highplevel prospects, "It makes me better and can make them better, too. It's kind of what we're here for... we're just trying to push each other and try to build a relationship with the coaching staff." Washington Capitals Ryan Leonard VIDEO BY SAMMI SILBER The NTDP forward is coming off a 51-goal, 94-point season that also saw him secure gold for Team USA with a huge overtime winner at the U18 Worlds. He is set to play at Boston College in the fall, but before he goes, is showing the Capitals exactly why he'll be an impact player. First, Leonard makes a statement with his size and strength. The 6-foot, 194-pound right wing loves to play the body, go hard to the net and be aggressive in puck battles. He plays an honest, hard-working game, but the biggest thing about his game is his power. Leonard is a powerful skater and player who has an explosive stride and uses his strength to win battles, take good care of the puck and generate opportunities on offense. He also plays a collected defensive game and is able to push and keep the puck out of harm's way. Then, there's the grit, which he hasn't held back on even though everyone's on the same team. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt4pQdMfa0Y[/embed] For the 18-year-old, the body has been a big focus of camp so far, especially with regard to the off-ice work. "We're just working on what we can do to our bodies, all that. Strength coach is awesome, talking to us about all that and nutrition," Leonard said, adding, "The main thing -- [it's] how to become a pro, honestly. "How to maintain your weight after a skate or anything like that, a lot of weigh-ins and a lot of water and fuel goes into your body." It's been a whirlwind of a week for Leonard, who walked across the draft stage on Thursday only to find himself in the District just 48 hours later. Still, he's living in the moment and making the most of every drill while also taking on a leadership role. He's impressed not only the organization and front office but also his teammates, including top prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko. "All of my teammates are great," Miorshnichenko said through an interpreter, adding, "Obviously, Leonard stood out." While the on and off-ice work is important, as well as getting to speak with Spencer Carbery and more members of the Capitals coaching staff, has been important, the biggest thing Leonard wants from this experience is confidence. And without a doubt, he has it right now. "Just feel confident that I can play and still be special at the next level," Leonard said. "People here are awesome and special players, so to surround yourself with that but still be one of the good players in the camp is kind of honoring, but just kind of want to keep moving forward."
