Ryan Leonard (Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2f468381-dc3d-4b62-8446-92ebe44493b9.jpeg] Ryan Leonard (Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images) As if the Washington Capitals aren't good enough, they're getting one of the top prospects outside of the NHL for the stretch run and the playoffs. The No. 2 NHL prospect [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-25-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2025] in The Hockey News' annual Future Watch edition signed an entry-level deal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/latest-news/breaking-capitals-sign-ryan-leonard-to-entry-level-contract-nhl-debut-likely-vs-boston] with the Capitals after his Boston College Eagles were eliminated from the NCAA playoffs Sunday night. Leonard has the complete package [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/capitals-leonard-rangers-perreault-lead-the-most-promising-ncaa-talents-signing-nhl-deals] - skill, size, competitiveness, toughness. He has the opportunity to make an immediate impact with a Stanley Cup contender. Can he do what Cale Makar did in 2019? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/the-rookie-effect-help-is-on-the-way-for-these-10-nhl-teams#:~:text=Makar%20stepped%20into%20Colorado%E2%80%99s%20playoff%20lineup%20last%20spring%20and%20looked%20like%20a%20star%20from%20his%20first%20shift.] That might be a bit of stretch, considering he'll be eased into the Capitals' lineup on the bottom six, but don't be surprised if he proves very quickly that he can make a tangible contribution. Today's video column has more. The Boston College star is ready to challenge himself at the NHL level, says Ken Campbell. Capitals' Leonard, Rangers' Perreault Lead The Most Promising NCAA Talents Signing NHL Deals [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f2f7ed77-18df-4f11-9b4e-68b3e97e050a.jpeg] Capitals' Leonard, Rangers' Perreault Lead The Most Promising NCAA Talents Signing NHL Deals The flood of NCAA players signing their entry-level NHL contracts has begun. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/capitals-leonard-rangers-perreault-lead-the-most-promising-ncaa-talents-signing-nhl-deals] Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
