This shouldn't be much of a surprise. Less than 24 hours after Boston College was eliminated by Denver in the NCAA tournament, Eagles forward Ryan Leonard signed his entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals drafted him eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Amherst, Mass., native led the region in goals this...
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Less than 24 hours after Boston College was eliminated by Denver in the NCAA tournament, Eagles forward Ryan Leonard signed his entry-level deal with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals drafted him eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Amherst, Mass., native led the region in goals this winter with 30 and ranked first on his team in points with 49. He is one of the 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award and looks to be one of the favorites.
He was a sensation as a freshman. He tallied 31 goals (third in the country) and 60 points (fourth). He skated alongside Will Smith (Lexington, Mass.) and Gabriel Perreault, as the trio led the Eagles to the national championship game, where they lost to Denver. Smith left for the San Jose Sharks last May.
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He mostly skated with current freshman James Hagens and Perreault this season. Perreault is expected to sign with the New York Rangers this week after they drafted him with the 23rd pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Hagens would be wise to play at least one more year in Chestnut Hill. He is a top prospect for this June's draft.
The Eagles getting a second year from Leonard was a blessing. He had the credentials to be a one-and-done, but wanted a second shot at the national championship. And while it fell short, he solidified himself as a college hockey star.
Locally, Leonard made a name for himself with Pope Francis and the Springfield Rifles from 2019-21. He moved on to the U.S. National Team Development Program and was a standout in his U18 season, tallying a whopping 51 goals and 94 points.
His brand of hockey should translate well to the NHL. He's a physical power forward who has a wicked shot. He gets under opponents' skin with ease.
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He joins a Capitals team that will likely be the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed come the playoffs. His first game could come against the Bruins in Boston on Tuesday night.
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