The Washington Capitals were represented at the 2025 Shoulder Check Showcase, a charitable hockey game held at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Connecticut. Ryan Leonard and Sonny Milano took to the ice alongside 24 other NHL players in the third annual edition of the event. The game was organized to raise funds for the HT40 Foundation, a mental health initiative created in honor of the late Hayden Thorsen.
Leonard Impresses with Goal as He Prepares for First Full Capitals Season
Ryan Leonard was a key contributor to Team Prentiss, which defeated Team Quick with a commanding 11-5 scoreline. Leonard scored one of the goals by beating a defender on the wing and firing a precise wrist shot off the post past Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger. The 20-year-old winger played under the guidance of NHL trainer Ben Prentiss and former NWHL captain Madison Packer.
Ryan Leonard (NHL)Leonard, a Boston College product, is expected to have his first full NHL season with the Capitals in 2025–26 after appearing in 17 games during the previous season, including both regular-season and playoff contests. During the charity game, he was joined by several of his former college teammates, such as Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith, signaling strong camaraderie and future promise.
Milano Eyes Comeback After Injury-Shortened Season, Ready for Capitals Training Camp
Sonny Milano’s participation in the showcase marked a positive development in his recovery from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for nearly the entire 2024–25 season. He only appeared in three games last fall before his injury. Though he made progress in his rehabilitation—resuming practice and shedding his no-contact jersey—he suffered a setback in March and did not return to the Capitals’ lineup afterward.
Despite last season’s challenges, Milano appears poised for a comeback. Capitals GM Chris Patrick confirmed in July that Milano is feeling good and is on track to participate in the upcoming training camp. Prior to his injury-plagued season, the 29-year-old forward registered 23 points across 49 games in 2023–24. Milano is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $1.9 million cap hit.
