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Capitals Call Out Jacob Trouba's Headshot on Ryan Leonard

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 9:02 AM ET

The Washington Capitals closed their road trip in Anaheim without rookie Ryan Leonard after the 20-year-old departed late in the first period.

Leonard exited bloodied following a blindside hit from Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, leaving Washington to skate with 11 forwards for the remainder of the game.

Officials initially assessed Trouba a major penalty, but after a full review, they overturned the call and issued no penalty on the veteran blueliner.

Leonard, who entered the night on a four-game point streak and was coming off scoring four points against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, was ruled out with an upper-body injury.

Spencer Carbery addressed the play after the 4-3 shootout loss to the Ducks.

Ryan Leonard leaves for the dressing room after taking a blindside hit from Jacob Trouba. pic.twitter.com/UACbHsY1Zw
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 6, 2025

“So there’s big hits, and guys get hurt,” Carbery said. “It’s a fast game.

“What I don’t like about that specific hit is that he’s engaged with another player. … To me, that’s now a player looking for someone that’s in a vulnerable spot. And I think those are dicey hits.”

Veteran Capitals forward Tom Wilson, who challenged Trouba during the game without ultimately engaging in a fight, also discussed the action after the game.

“[Trouba] knows exactly what he’s doing. Kid’s in a vulnerable spot, and obviously, Leno’s pretty banged up,” Wilson said.