ARLINGTON, VA — After making his NHL debut earlier this week, Ryan Leonard has started to make a home in DC. Leonard spent part of the Capitals’ day off Thursday settling in with Pierre-Luc Dubois, who offered to host him as the team returned to Washington.
Though he’s only been there a few days, Leonard had nothing but good things to say about his new host.
“He’s awesome,” Leonard said of Dubois. “He’s treated me with the most respect, taking me grocery shopping. Just really trying to make me feel at home. He doesn’t want me to force anything. He wants me to be comfortable. If I’m hungry or thirsty, just do whatever I need. It’s definitely a little bit of an adjustment and takes some time to get used to, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Dubois was the new player in the team’s locker room just months ago, joining the Capitals over the offseason, but he’s now playing the role of experienced veteran opening up his home to a rookie. Leonard, who has spent the last two seasons living at Boston College, was especially grateful for his generosity.
“I was extremely lucky when he offered it,” Leonard said. “It’s just a situation you can’t really pass down. So, yeah, it’s a lot of fun…A lot better than dorms. I’ve got a good-sized bed, not a twin-sized bed. And my own floor, so it’s good.”
Leonard made his Capitals debut in storybook fashion Tuesday night, taking to the ice against his hometown Boston Bruins at TD Garden with his family and teammates watching on from the stands. He’s already impressed head coach Spencer Carbery — who called Leonard “one of our best players” in Wednesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes — and is set to make his home debut at Capital One Arena on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.
While Leonard may already have a pair of games under his belt, he’s still wrapping his mind around the idea that he’s made it to the show. Just a week ago, he was attending college classes — now he’s living with an NHL player and facing off against stars on the ice.
“You’re going out (on the ice) with guys, you’re line matching — like holy crap, I’m going against these (guys),” Leonard said. “I even said to Dubie last night, we were watching a little bit of the Bruins and Canadiens’ game. And I was like, ‘I still can’t put this into words. I’ve played in that league two games already.’ It’s just weird to think about now. But yeah, it’s more just getting more comfortable. Trusting myself a little bit more.”
