The Washington Capitals lost standout rookie Ryan Leonard in the first period of Friday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Leonard exited after taking a hit from Ducks defenceman Jacob Trouba behind Anaheim’s net. Trouba appeared to catch Leonard up high, leaving the Capitals forward down on the ice and bleeding as Leonard’s teammates came to his defence.

Just ahead of the third period, the team announced he would not return after suffering an upper-body injury

Trouba was initially assessed a five-minute major, but after officials reviewed the play, the penalty was rescinded. Capitals defenceman Jakob Chychrun was given two minutes for roughing after the hit.

Leonard immediately went down the tunnel and did not return to Washington’s bench to start the second period.

The 20-year-old Le

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