Capitals Notebook: McMichael, Protas & Chesley Join Informal Skates, Leonard Taking Big Strides
The Capitals continue to prep for the upcoming season while Ryan Leonard also participated in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Before the team’s practice facility played host to the annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase, the Washington Capitals held another informal skate as they continue to prepare for the upcoming season, welcoming even more faces to the mix.
Connor McMichael was the latest roster player to join, while prospects Ilya Protas and Ryan Chesley also took the ice with the group, which consists so far of Ryan Leonard, Andrew Cristall, Nic Dowd, Dylan McIlrath, John Carlson, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Sonny Milano and Logan Thompson. Martin Fehervary did not skate with the group on Wednesday, though he skated Tuesday.
McMichael, coming off a career year, is looking to keep building on his game as he braces to take on a new role as the third-line center this season. The 24-year-old was moving well, and he’s also continuing to get bigger and stronger.
Who’s stood out the most this week, though, has been no other than Leonard, who also participated in the Rookie Showcase. The 20-year-old’s skating has taken a huge step, as he’s leading his group in preparation for the upcoming skate test. He’s also put on some weight while looking to add more to his frame.
“I’m a completely different player,” Leonard proclaimed on Wednesday.
Leonard has been working on a few different fundamentals of his game over the course of the season, and going into 2025-26, he’s first and foremost concerned with making the team out of camp.
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Ryan Chesley’s also grown and is ready to do waht he can to climb further up the depth chart after signing his entry-level contract at the end of last season.
Keep an eye on Sonny Milano. He’s looked strong in his play while skating these last few weeks as he tries to make his comeback.
Training camp opens on Sept. 18, but Alex Ovechkin and more players are expected back next week.