The Washington Capitals drafted three high-end forward prospects at the start of the 2019 NHL Draft and they’ve all paid immediate dividends early in the preseason. First-round pick Connor McMichael had a sensational, no-look assist on the Caps’ first goal of the new year while third-round pick Alexei Protas had three points and was the first star of the game in his preseason debut. Both players were returned to junior late last week.

But have no fear! Brett Leason is still here. Saturday, the second-round pick scored his first goal as a member of the Capitals showing off his rocket of a shot.

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The goal was made possible by Liam O’Brien who forced an errant pass by Hurricanes’ defenseman Fredrik Claesson. Leason grabbed the gift turnover in the middle of the circles and beat Anton Forsberg

The tally gave Washington an early 1-0 lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.

The point is Leason’s second this preseason. Against the Blues on Wednesday, he played with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin on the first line. He assisted on Radko Gudas’ goal. The Capitals won 3-2.

Leason, 20, is no longer eligible for junior hockey and will likely start the season in AHL Hershey unless he forces his way into the conversation in September. The winger scored 36 goals in 55 games for the Prince Albert Raiders last season, including a 30 game point streak to start the year. The Raiders won go on to win the WHL championship.

Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington