The NHLPA Rookie Showcase returns to MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, marking the fourth straight year the event is hosted at the Washington Capitals' practice facility and the fifth time overall. Thirty-one prospects and rookies will participate, with Ryan Leonard representing the Capitals after appearing in 17 combined regular-season and playoff games in 2024-25. Notable attendees include Matthew Schaefer, Gabe Perreault, Alexander Nikishin, and Tij Iginla. Upper Deck and the NHLPA use the event to photograph players, collect event-used merchandise and signatures for trading cards. Participants will wear full team equipment, work through stations, and typically finish with a light scrimmage.
The NHLPA Rookie Showcase will take place at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, next month. The event is being held at the Washington Capitals' practice facility for the fourth straight year and fifth time overall. Ryan Leonard will be the Capitals' representative at the event, joining 30 other prospects and rookies from around the NHL. Leonard, 20, is headed into his first full season as a pro after playing 17 combined regular-season and playoff games for the Caps during the 2024-25 campaign.
Other notable attendees include 2025 first-overall draft selection Matthew Schaefer (NYI), Leonard's college teammate Gabe Perreault (NYR), Russian defenseman Alexander Nikishin (CAR), and high-scoring winger Tij Iginla (UTA). Full participant list Frederic Brunet (BOS) Zeev Buium (MIN) Berkly Catton (SEA) Trevor Connelly (VGK) Ben Danford (TOR) Sam Dickinson (SJ) Karsen Dorwart (PHI) Jordan Dumais (CBJ) Jack Finley (TB) Marc Gatcomb (NYI) Konsta Helenius (BUF) Quinn Hutson (EDM) Tij Iginla (UTA) Joakim Kemell (NSH) Ryan Leonard (WSH) Oliver Moore (CHI) Alexander Nikishin (CAR)
The NHLPA and hockey card manufacturer Upper Deck hold the annual event to take photos and collect event-used merchandise for future trading cards. Upper Deck also uses its access to acquire hundreds of signatures from each player for those cards. Attending prospects will take the ice in their full team equipment as they cycle through different stations throughout the day, posing for photographers and creating content for social media channels. There is also typically a light scrimmage at the end of the day where players can showcase their skills.
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