Caps' Carbery impressed by 'gamer' Leonard's showing at world juniors

Washington Capitals top prospect Ryan Leonard is impressing his future head coach with a dominant showing at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship

"He's a gamer, man," Spencer Carbery said Sunday. "And that's why we're excited about his future in this organization. He's such a competitor and you see it come out on such a big stage in the world, representing your country.

"You're excited about the future because you can just feel how passionate he is and how bad he wants to win and how much he lays it on the line. Caps fans are going to get used to that for a long time to come."

Leonard has racked up five goals and eight points through the first six games of the tournament while donning the "C" for Team USA. His latest tally was a late dagger in the United States' 4-1 semifinal victory over Czechia.

The Americans will play for gold against Finland on Sunday. Leonard helped his country finish atop the podium last winter with three goals and three assists in seven contests.

Washington selected the talented winger with the eighth overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft.

Leonard went on to score 31 goals and 60 points in 41 appearances during his rookie season with Boston College in 2023-24. The Eagles lost the national championship game to Denver, and Leonard decided to return to school for his sophomore campaign.

The 19-year-old logged 12 goals and seven assists in 16 games before heading to Ottawa for the world juniors.

Leonard isn't the only Capitals prospect having a strong showing. Defenseman Cole Hutson entered Sunday's action tied for the tournament lead with nine points in six games. Washington selected him in the second round this past summer.