Harry Lichtman
Two Washington Capitals rookies were recognized for the 2025-26 Calder Trophy. Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif both received votes in the top-12 for the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.
Leonard finished eighth in voting with one third-place vote, four fourth-place votes, and 19 fifth-place votes. Meanwhile, Sourdif finished 12th with a fourth-place vote and a fifth-place vote.
At the same time, New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer won this year’s Calder unanimously. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft did it by earning all 198 first-place votes.
Leonard made his NHL debut late in the 2024-25 season, recording a goal and assist in nine regular-season games and eight playoff games. He then returned for his first full NHL season, finishing with 20 goals and 25 assists in 75 games.
Additionally, Leonard was a key part of the lineup and helped spark the Capitals’ power play. Though an injury kept him out at one point, he bounced back and ended up leading the team in goals through March.
Meanwhile, Sourdif was a new addition to the Capitals via trade with the Florida Panthers. He made quite the impression in his first full NHL season after some call-ups and time in the AHL.
After Pierre-Luc Dubois’ injury in late October, Sourdif went from fourth-line wing to full-time center. In 78 games, the 24-year-old recorded 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points.
