When the Washington Capitals selected Ryan Leonard with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, it felt like they struck draft night gold with the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Massachusetts native right wing.
After being selected, he went to Boston College, where he took Hockey East by storm. In his freshman year of 2023-24, he had 31 goals and 29 assists in 41 games, before collecting 30 goals and 19 goals in 37 games for the Eagles last year. After BC was bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last spring, Leonard signed his entry-level contract with the Capitals.
He played in nine regular-season games, scoring his first career NHL goal, before playing in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games, picking up an assist, and averaging just over 10 minutes a game. It was a good stepping stone for him to begin his professional career.
This year, he is back, but at just 20 years old, he has played less than 50 NHL games to date. Why is that big? Rachel Kryshak listed the Top 50 NHL prospects under the age of 23 years old and have played in fewer the 50 NHL games. Leonard came in at No. 11 on the list and drew a future comparison to a Stanley Cup-winning superstar.
Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard draws future comparison to Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk
Kryshak drew a comparison to Florida Panthers superstar and two-time Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk. Truth be told, if Leonard came anywhere near that comparison, then Washington would be thrilled with that.
"The Capitals have become accustomed to having a big, physical competitor capable of scoring in a top-six role. Tom Wilson has been a fan favorite for years, and Leonard is cut from the same cloth.
"If Leonard is as good as advertised for the duration of his career, the Capitals have an in-your-face competitor who plays on the edge and has the skill to back up his play. He can draw opponents into penalties and then score on the ensuing power play. He has excellent puck skill, maneuvering in tight spaces, that makes him the ideal candidate to be a net-front offensive player at even strength or on the power play.
"Leonard has a dynamism to his game, and if it translates to the NHL level, it presents the real possibility that he becomes a "Tkachuk like" in terms of play style and value."
This year in 12 games, Leonard has three goals and three assists, and two of his goals have been game-winners. He has averaged 12:49 a night and already has landed 20 shots on the net. There is no doubt that Leonard has all the makings of being a future NHL star, and it was evident from his first game last spring. Drawing a comparison to Matthew Tkachuk gives Washington a promising outlook to look forward to.