Ryan Leonard earns power play trust as confidence keeps rising

On Sunday, head coach Spencer Carbery tossed Leonard a bone: one shift on the first power-play unit. Leonard didn't waste it, burying a goal almost instantly. After the game, Carbery laughed when asked if he'd try it again. «Absolutely,» he said. «I give him one shift there and he scores a goal, so that's pretty good results.»

That comment said more than it sounded. It wasn't just a coach joking about a lucky shot-it was the sound of trust growing between staff and player. Leonard's details have sharpened, his reads quicker, his shot more assertive. What started as cautious energy has turned into confident control.

Since opening night, Leonard has tightened his defensive coverage and become harder to push off the puck. His edge work keeps improving, and he's attacking seams with purpose instead of hesitation. Teammates have noticed, especially when he drives the middle with that fearless shoulder-down style that made him a first-round pick.

Carbery has rewarded that maturity with more ice time and tougher matchups. Putting Leonard on the top unit wasn't a charity move; it was a test he's earned. The message was simple-keep doing the small things right, and the leash will lengthen.

Fans can feel it too. The early games showed flashes, but now Leonard's confidence is tangible. He's talking more on the bench, making quicker decisions, and demanding the puck instead of waiting for it. Those little signs are what separate a prospect from an NHL regular.

Here's the quote that captured the moment:

Leonard's rise matters beyond his own stat line. Washington's power play has struggled for rhythm at times this fall, still learning how to blend old and new pieces. Injecting a hungry, north-south shooter like Leonard could freshen the unit's tempo.

The rookie's shot isn't subtle-it's heavy and quick, the kind of release that forces goalies to react, not anticipate. Carbery's staff loves that he shoots without overthinking. It fits perfectly next to veterans who sometimes slow the play down too much.

It's early, but this feels like the start of something real. Leonard's mix of confidence and effort is winning over the locker room and carving him a bigger role week by week. The next challenge will be sustaining it when opponents start keying in on him.

For now, he's proving why patience with development pays off. One power-play goal might be small, but it was loud in meaning.