5 reasons Ryan Leonard will take the Capitals to the Stanley Cup

#4 His two way game makes him versatile as hockey evolves

Leonard is an average skater but has an above average puck handling ability. He also has an above average shot.

Here’s what Corey Pronman of The Athletic (subscription required) said on his analysis of Leonard in his draft grades:

"Leonard is a versatile winger with a lot of elements to his game that an NHL coach will covet. He’s a strong skater who competes very well, with a direct style of play and despite an average-sized frame he has a lot of physicality in his game. He combines that with excellent hands and an ability to make highly skilled plays with the puck at full speed. His playmaking isn’t great but there’s vision and finishing ability in his game to score at higher levels. Leonard may never truly stand out at either end of the ice, but he will never give a coach a reason to sit him and projects as a quality top-six wing."

Leonard has the skillset among him to be a top six winger and be even more athletic than Anthony Mantha. Maybe he can evolve and be like a prime Tom Wilson or T.J. Oshie. Again we need the young blood in here.