Overheard at the NHLPA rookie showcase: NCAA, NHL rule change reactions, Schaefer ready for Islanders

Overheard at the NHLPA rookie showcase: NCAA, NHL rule change reactions, Schaefer ready for Islanders

The incoming first-year class offered its take on several significant topics ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Gabe Perreault talks about seeing his ‘best friend’ Ryan Leonard make NHL debut for Capitals: ‘I was just as excited for him as he was for himself’

The 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase saw some of the brightest young talent from around the NHL assemble at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Wednesday. Among the attendees were two close friends and college teammates from the past two seasons, Ryan Leonard of the Washington Capitals and Gabe Perreault of the New York Rangers. The two were able to reconnect on Leonard’s home practice rink as they moved through different activity stations and photo sessions …