Ryan Leonard has had a busy few days. Fresh off leading Boston College to the NCAA National Championship game, the 2023 first-round pick has signed a three year entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals.
Capitals Sign Leonard
HERE WE GO ?
2023 eighth overall pick and 2025 World Juniors MVP Ryan Leonard is coming out of college to join the @Capitals! pic.twitter.com/3ITt4bTnpu
— NHL (@NHL) March 31, 2025
The 20-year old is expected to make his NHL debut Tuesday when the Capitals go on the road to play the Boston Bruins.
Leonard scored 30 goals and recorded 49 points in 37 games with Boston College this season. The forward led in goals. Furthermore, he became the first NCAA player with back-to-back 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson. Leonard also led the NCAA in game-winning goals.
Leonard is one of 10 finalists for this year’s Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
Role with the Capitals
Leonard’s role with the Capitals is unclear at this point. With the Capitals having already clinched a playoff spot and have a comfortable lead for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, they have some wiggle room to give playing time to Leonard. The Capitals have nine games left in the season.
Leonard is joining the Capitals at an exciting time. In addition to being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, Alex Ovechkin is just five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time goals record. Leonard will start his NHL career with a front-row seat to history.
If Leonard can make the most of these nine games, he could have a role with the team during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It is not unheard of for players to essentiallt start their career in the playoffs. Cale Makar did so and looked like has had been doing it for many years.
Of course, what happens will be determined in the next nine games. Regardless, Caps fans will excitedly tune in to Tuesday’s game, although the Ovi chase was likely doing that already.
Main Photo: Eric Canha- Imagn Images
