As the 2025-26 NHL season unfolds, the Washington Capitals have introduced three rookies to their lineup: forwards Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif, alongside defenseman Declan Chisholm. Despite the core roster remaining largely intact from the previous year, these players are making noticeable contributions to the team’s performance, signaling potential for the Capitals’ future growth.
Ryan Leonard’s Early Impact and Areas for Growth
Forward Ryan Leonard, who briefly played nine games at the end of last season, is now fully integrated into the Capitals’ lineup. Across 52 games, Leonard has tallied 30 points, consisting of 10 goals and 20 assists. Although this output hasn’t matched the lofty expectations set by his collegiate success, Leonard’s performance remains promising, especially given his youth and the adjustment required to meet NHL standards.
Leonard’s accomplishment of securing 30 points amid adapting to the NHL’s faster pace is significant. He missed some games due to injury, slightly limiting his overall time on ice. Presently, he ranks eighth in total points on the team and fifth among all rookies. Head coach Spencer Carbery emphasized that Leonard’s progress shouldn’t be measured solely by point totals.
He’s got to be really good with the puck at determining when he can make a play and when it’s time to make a smart, intelligent, hard play,
Carbery explained, highlighting Leonard’s decision-making as a key factor for success. Leonard has demonstrated this through his balanced offensive plays, which include one power-play goal and two shorthanded goals this season.
His main challenge lies in discipline; Leonard has accumulated 30 penalty minutes, largely from avoidable errors typical of a developing player. Nonetheless, his overall season aligns with expectations for a rookie transitioning into the NHL. As an addition to an aging Capitals squad, Leonard’s growth offers encouragement for the team’s evolving foundation.
Justin Sourdif’s Growing Presence in the Capitals’ Offense
Another forward rookie, Justin Sourdif, was brought in from the Florida Panthers during the offseason. He has recorded 26 points—12 goals and 14 assists—in 55 games, trailing closely behind Leonard’s contributions. Sourdif’s season began slowly, managing only seven points during October and November, but he gained significant momentum after a multi-goal game on December 31 and a hat trick on January 5.
Since then, Sourdif has consistently generated offense for the Capitals. Coach Spencer Carbery praised his dynamic style, stating,
He’s got that agility [and] dartiness to him where he’s in and out of areas. He’s quick, whether it’s a tight turn, a spin. And that’s a very valuable skill in professional hockey… I think he’s also an intelligent player. I think he competes hard. He is a guy that can go to really high traffic areas.
Sourdif embodies steady rookie development, improving markedly as the season advances. He also demonstrates physical toughness uncommon for many rookies, having participated in his first fight this season. Currently, he is ninth among teammates and eighth among rookies in point totals. Despite this progress, increasing his consistency remains crucial, with potential to evolve into a point-per-game contributor and a pivotal player for Washington.
Defenseman Declan Chisholm’s Contribution and Challenges
Declan Chisholm, the Capitals’ defenseman acquisition during the offseason alongside Sourdif, arrived from the Minnesota Wild with impressive prior achievements. According to NHL statistics, Chisholm
ranked first among Wild defensemen in shot-attempt percentage at five-on-five (51.5 percent), second in takeaways (27) and third in power-play points (two),
showcasing strong defensive and offensive capabilities.
However, Chisholm’s impact with Washington has been more limited. He has appeared in 21 games this season, primarily serving as a substitute when regular defensemen are unavailable. His output includes just four points (one goal, three assists) and 19 shots on goal, along with five takeaways—numbers that fall short compared to his previous season.
A significant portion of Chisholm’s ice time—42.3%—is spent in the defensive zone, indicating a focus on defensive responsibilities over offensive contributions. While Chisholm remains a competent defenseman, his performance to date has been modest and may suggest that his strengths could be better utilized on a different team.
Future Outlook for Capitals’ Rookie Class
Together, Leonard, Sourdif, and Chisholm represent promising, though varied, investments for the Capitals moving forward. Leonard and Sourdif have shown encouraging signs of long-term development, balancing skill growth with the demands of the NHL. Chisholm has primarily served in a supportive role, filling gaps on defense as needed. With the trade deadline approaching on March 6, it remains uncertain how the Capitals will manage these players’ roles in the immediate future. Their continued integration and success could shape Washington’s strategic direction for seasons to come.
