Ryan Leonard's arm in a sling
Screenshots: @Capitals/X

Ryan Leonard will be out “an extended period of time” due to an upper-body injury he suffered on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks. As the Capitals’ rookie was skating around the net, he absorbed a blindside hit from Jacob Trouba to his head and arm, which bloodied and crumpled him to the ice.

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said Leonard was scheduled to meet with doctors on Sunday, but the nature of the injury has remained a mystery.

However, after the Capitals’ 2-0 shutout win over the Blue Jackets, some clarity was offered when the team posted Carbery’s postgame victory speech. The video included a raucous celebration after the players learned they had earned two consecutive days off. But if you look closely in the background, you’ll notice Leonard wearing a grey suit and with his left arm in a sling.

Ryan Leonard arm in slingScreenshot: @Capitals/X

Leonard was first spotted by X users @rnuzzo27 @capstrav1s.

Leonard was placed on injured reserve on Sunday. He has 18 points (7g, 11a) in 29 games so far this season.