"Think a guy who's always got energy. The kind of guy that has a motor that is always going. I love to win," Leonard told reporters.
Ryan Leonard's eyes were glued to the big board at the 2023 NHL Draft as he watched the names light up and his fellow prospects take the stage. Leonard, a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, was waiting for his turn, and fittingly, it came from the nation's capital, as the Washington Capitals took him eighth overall.
Leonard didn't think too much about going to Washington, though he told Al Koken that he had a good interview with the club. But when he heard his name, he breathed a sigh of relief and broke out into a huge smile. He'd landed right where he wanted to go.
"It kind of fits my style of play and can't wait to get started," Leonard told reporters in Nashville, adding, "Just kind of hoping and praying. It's even better that I'm staying in the red, white and blue, so really excited."
The USNTDP right-winger is known for his gritty style of play, physicality, power and versatility, as well as his underrated skill level, quick hands and a strong shot. He had 51 goals and 43 points for 94 points in 57 games this past season, along with a plus-minus rating of minus-77. Not only that, but he scored the overtime winner to secure gold for Team USA over Team Sweden in this year's U18 World Championships.
He's spent years fine-tuning his game, and he embraced the role of the power forward that gets to the dirty areas, battles hard for pucks and takes on big responsibility at both ends of the ice.
"That's kind of what I'm about and what I like to do and what makes the game fun," he said.
Growing up in Amherst, Massachusetts, Leonard was a fan of the Boston Bruins and learned from watching the likes of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and Milan Lucic. Looking at today's stars, he compares himself mainly to Matthew Tkachuk, Zach Hyman and Alex Tuch.
I kind of like to pick and pull what they have in their arsenal and kind of put it into mine," he added. "They all kind of have some things that I have. Tkachuk has a little girt to him... Hyman, I feel like he plays with two high-end guys... and then Tuch, just his overall power."
Asked to throw a Capitals player's name out there, too, he smiled and gave an answer that D.C. fans love to hear.
"Tom Wilson. Definitely Tom Wilson."
His biggest asset, though, is his work ethic, tenacity and drive. Leonard describes himself as a "big competitor" and is arguably the 2023 draft class's biggest gamer. His personal scouting report is also reminiscent of fellow American and Capitals forward T.J. Oshie: a high-energy, enthusiastic leader whose voice carries.
"Think a guy who's always got energy. The kind of guy who has a motor that is always going," Leonard said. "I love to win; pretty good leader too. I'm really excited."
The 6-foot, 190-pound power forward is committed to Boston College and will be playing for them in 2023-24. He is looking forward to taking as much as he can from the NCAA experience and has his sights set on winning a Beanpot and a national championship.
As for what comes after, he remains focused on living in the moment and developing as much as he can. Then, when the time comes, he's confident he'll make an impact in the Show.
"I don't really know the timeline. Just want to stay patient and kind of make the right choice when I'm ready... have a good however many years there and then just kind of set myself up," Leonard said.