Ryan Leonard is already getting a major opportunity as Spencer Carbery opens Washington Capitals training camp with a loaded forward setup.
Washington hit the ice Thursday with its new additions mixed directly into the lineup. Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner were all placed in combinations that showed just how deep the Capitals could be up front.
The biggest spotlight landed on Leonard. The young winger opened camp beside Dylan Strome and Alexander Ovechkin, giving Washington a top unit combining experience, puck distribution and speed.
Leonard scored 20 goals last season, and Washington is wasting no time testing him in a bigger role. Playing beside Ovechkin also gives him a chance to become a major part of the Capitals' offensive identity.
Carbery also put together a heavy second unit featuring Tuch, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson. All three bring size, defensive responsibility and the ability to create offense off the rush or around the crease.
The opening combinations were summed up simply: “Ovechkin-Strome-Leonard” and “Tuch-Dubois-Wilson.” Those groups could give opponents difficult matchup decisions immediately.
Washington's depth changes the matchup
The third line might be just as interesting. Aliaksei Protas skated with Ilya Protas and Kyrou, putting two established offensive threats beside a young center fighting to lock down a regular NHL job.
Ilya Protas finished last season with four points in four NHL games. His adjustment over a full schedule could decide whether this combination stays together once the regular season begins.
Washington's fourth unit featured Jenner, Justin Sourdif and Anthony Beauvillier. That gives Carbery another trio with NHL experience instead of a traditional energy-only bottom line.
Sourdif recorded 35 points in 78 games last season, while Beauvillier gives Washington another winger capable of moving around the lineup when injuries or matchup changes arrive.
Nothing from Day One is permanent. Training camp combinations change quickly, and Carbery still has several players pushing for spots before Washington opens its season.
But the early message is clear. Washington can roll four forward lines without leaving much breathing room for opponents, and Leonard's promotion beside Ovechkin gives the lineup an immediate storyline.
For Carbery, the next step is finding out which combinations survive camp once preseason games begin and the competition for ice time gets serious.
Should Ryan Leonard stay beside Alexander Ovechkin all season?
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