The Washington Capitals are getting one of their bright young forwards back in the lineup.

Ryan Leonard was activated from injured reserve Tuesday, with the expectation for him to return for Tuesday’s game against the New York Rangers. Forward Ivan Miroshnichenko has been removed from Washington’s active roster and is likely being reassigned to the AHL’s Hershey Bears.

According to the NHL media site, Ryan Leonard is no longer on the IR and Ivan Miroshnichenko is no longer on the active roster.

Looks likely that Leonard goes tonight for the Capitals vs. the Rangers

Leonard, 20, has missed Washington’s last seven games with an upper-body injury.

The Northhampton, Massachusetts native has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 29 games played this season. He had a goal in nine games for the Capitals late last season after finishing his NCAA campaign with the Boston College Eagles.

Washington selected Leonard eighth overall out of the USHL in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He then went on to have two productive collegiate seasons with Boston College. In his 2023-24 season with the Eagles, he put up 31 goals and 29 assists for 60 points in 41 games. The following season, in 2024-25, he notched 30 goals and 19 assists for 49 points in 37 games.

Leonard won back-to-back gold medals with the United States at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships. In the 2024 tournament, he registered three goals and three assists for six points in seven games. In 2025, he had five goals and five assists for 10 points in seven games as the team’s captain. He also had a goal in six games for the United States at the 2024 World Championships.

The Capitals have been competitive this season in a tight Eastern Conference. Their 43 points through 36 games puts them tied for third in the conference and second in the Metropolitan Division. However, they are only two points above the cutoff line for a playoff spot.

After facing the Rangers on Tuesday, Washington will take their holiday break before beginning a miniature two-game road trip against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.