Ryan Leonard was Honored by Kent Hughes' Praise

Top prospect Ryan Leonard describes himself as a power-forward. He was honored to learn that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes compared him to the Tkachuk brothers.

The United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) has two forwards in the top-10 of The Hockey News (THN) final draft rankings. Will Smith is projected fifth on the list, while Ryan Leonard is ranked seventh.  

On the day prior to his name being called inside the Bridgestone Arena, Leonard was excited about the big moment. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I just can't wait." 

The forward is surrounded by his family and close friends to live his childhood dream with him. "It's crazy to think about that [Wednesday] your name will be called."

When asked to describe himself, the 5-foot-11-inch forward identified himself as a game changer. "Leader first off. I think I'm a power forward that brings a lot of attributes. I like to score goals and I also like to play on the penalty kill and power play and be relied on in all different situations." 

At the NHL Combine, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes compared the Massachusetts native to Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. "It's pretty cool and honoring," Leonard said about the compliment. "I try to pull bits and pieces from them, and take different areas of their game try to implicate it into mine."

His NTDP teammate Will Smith raved about his longtime friend. "I've known him since I've been a kid and I lived with him for two years. So I know I'm pretty tight. He's great guy. He's a kid you want to be around and do anything with him. He's one of my best buddies."

Leonard is not a stretch to be drafted by the Canadiens at fifth overall. The 18-year old has not spoken to the organization since he arrived in Nashville on Monday night. 

If Montreal ends up calling his name on Wednesday night, Leonard feels that he can eventually handle the pressure that would come from a big hockey market. 

"I think it's kind of cool. It might be a little bit much over time with being a young guy if I go to Montreal, but I'm sure I'd get used to it."