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

The Washington Capitals drafted Ryan Leonard with the number eight pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He’s a good two way forward that fell into the Caps laps. Many thought he wouldn’t still be available when the eighth pick was up.

In a few years this guy could be a top six winger. It could very well be a big moment for him and the team as it could come after Alex Ovechkin hangs up his skates.

Obviously every hockey player’s goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Here’s hoping the Caps get one more before Ovi retires. As far as that elusive second and third Cup go, I can see Ovi lifting it again and Leonard doing it someday with Ivan Miroshnichenko.

#5 Leonard can be a key in the youth movement

Ryan Leonard is committed to playing for Boston College and continuing his education but he could leave school early if there’s a need and the Caps decide to make that call.

If they decide to make that call early, Leonard will be a key player in the youth movement. Part of the reason the Caps had success in 2018 was because there was a good mix of veterans and youth.

#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.

#3 Washington fits his style of play

Many people including myself wanted the Caps to select Matvei Michkov and even trade up for him if possible. Instead the Philadelphia Flyers selected him and there was no trade up.
But the Caps were OK with it.

“I thought that was a possibility,” said Capitals assistant general manager and draft architect Ross Mahoney.

“You’re trying to pick teams that might take him, and I thought that was one of the teams that might step up and take him, and they did. So it wasn’t really a surprise, no.”

When Leonard’s name was called he was relieved.

“Heart was pounding as hard as it could probably,” said Leonard. “It was a really special moment for me and my family.”

“I’m staying in the red, white and blue. I know (Washington) fits my style of play and I can’t wait to get started.”

Leonard is an Amherst, Massachusetts native who grew up a Boston Bruins fan. No surprise there. His favorite players growing up were Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and Milan Lucic.

The none Bruins that he modeled his game after included Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers, and Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres.

#2 Competitive edge

I can talk a little about his competitive edge but you’ll really see it on display in the next slide.

Here’s Pronman’s thoughts on the Leonard selection:

Leonard is a very good all-around and competitive forward. He’s not dynamic with the puck, but he has excellent skill and scoring ability as well. What I think Washington fans will also like is how physically advanced he is, and there is potential for him to be in Washington in two to three years due to that and his complete game.

In two years from now Ovechkin should be already past Wayne Gretzky for number one in goal scoring. Maybe they get one more kick at the can before the franchise transitions to the post Ovi era.