#1 He has winning experience
The number one reason I think Leonard will someday win a Stanley Cup with the Caps is because he already has the wining experience.
You don’t get taught to win. You just learn how to do it on your own.
Ryan Leonard did exactly that with the United States National Team Development Program, scoring the game winning overtime goal over Sweden in the U18 World Championship.
He calls this the greatest moment of his hockey career and getting drafted by the Caps the second best moment.
“I got to say. Ah, no, never mind. Sorry, guys. I have to go gold medal for the country. That was awesome. Being with those guys for two years and capping it off with that, it was so special,” said Leonard.
Ross Mahoney said this on Leonard:
"“He has a real interesting skill set. He can really score … he can pass the puck and he plays a real honest game. He’s a real competitive guy. So to get that scoring ability, playmaking ability and that edge that he plays with, that’s a real interesting combination.”"
Those are five reasons why I think Leonard will help a new generation of Capitals continue the legacy that Ovi will leave behind.