BREAKING: Capitals Sign Ryan Leonard To Entry-Level Contract, NHL Debut Likely vs. Boston
The Capitals signed Ryan Leonard to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday. (Christopher Hanewinckel — Imagn Images)It's official: Ryan Leonard is a Washington Capital.
The Capitals signed Leonard to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday, general manager Chris Patrick announced. His deal carries an average annual value of $950,000, and he appears set to make his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.
Leonard just finished his sophomore season at Boston College, scoring an NCAA-leading 30 goals through 37 games. The Eagles were eliminated by the Denver Pioneers in the regional final of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. He finished his collegiate playing career with 109 points (61 goals, 48 assists) through 78 games.
Washington selected Leonard eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old is known for his speed, scoring prowess and grit, and has been compared to the likes of T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson, among others.
Leonard should provide a major boost to Washington's forward depth heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Right now, it's unclear where he'll slot in to start his NHL career, though he's expected to make quite a bit of noise.