Ryan Leonard was one of 31 players to participate in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Wednesday.
Not only did Leonard have his photo taken for his upcoming Upper Deck rookie cards, but he also caught up with an old friend at the event: Minnesota Wild prospect defenseman Zeev Buium (pronounced BOO-yum).
Buium, who spent last season with the University of Denver before joining the Wild for their playoff run, played with Leonard on both USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (USNTDP) and the USA’s World Junior teams in 2023 (U-18), 2024 (U-20), and 2025 (U-20). The two talented players have won three gold medals together.
The two friends were also Hobey Baker Award finalists last season in the NCAA, with Michigan State’s Isaac Howard ultimately taking home the trophy.
While at the Capitals’ practice facility together, Leonard and Buium made sure to mess with each other while also taking some prom-worthy snaps.
Leonard also later decided to participate in Buium’s press conference as a faux reporter. Without a microphone, the Capitals’ rookie forward found the next best thing — a beef stick — and held it up with a serious face as Buium spoke.
Very Price Is Right-y, if you ask me.
And because accuracy matters here at RMNB, we just want you to know we confirmed it was indeed a beef stick.
📸: Katie Adler/RMNB
The shenanigans didn’t stop there, with Buium later asked about his and Leonard’s relationship — here’s how the full interaction went. Please note: the questions were edited for clarity.
Q. What are your thoughts on Ryan Leonard?
(Leonard is now standing directly across from Buium.)
Zeev Buium: He’s a good guy, I guess. No, he’s awesome. He’s amazing. Obviously playing together at NTDP for two years, and going through all of this together. Kind of going through all of this together right now, too. It’s pretty cool to have somebody like that in your life, as close as he is to me. It’s pretty fun.
Q. What have you seen from him that makes him special?
Zeev Buium: I just think he’s great at being himself. He’s got a big character. He’s obviously a hell of a hockey player. I just think the biggest thing is you can just see him being himself right away. He never shies away from a big moment or a big opportunity. Always want to see him succeed, and happy that he is.
Q. Did you guys compare notes at all about your experiences in the NHL last year?
Zeev Buium: Yeah, I mean, we talked about it a little bit, but nothing crazy. I think we both know that it’s hard. It was a big adjustment, and you’re playing different roles. It was just different. We talked a little bit, but usually when we get back together, it’s just about the memories, and just what’s going on in each other’s lives right now.
Q. Did he humble brag about his first goal coming with Wayne Gretzky being there?
Zeev Buium: He’s doing it right now. (Leonard is, in fact, holding up a finger gesturing “1” in the background) Yeah, he does. He always brags. But it’s okay. I mean, I got my bragging rights in the NCAA tournament.
Ryan Leonard: Next question!
Zeev Buium: It’s all good.
While their interactions were full of good vibes, there was one touchy subject. Buium’s Denver squad knocked Leonard’s Boston College Eagles out of the NCAA championship tournament two consecutive years.
When reminded of that fact, Leonard made sure to one-up his pal by telling the media he was a better golfer.