The Capitals prospect has four goals in the last two playoff games for Boston College.
The Washington Capitals were reminded once again why they drafted Ryan Leonard as they watched him put on a show once again on Sunday to send the Boston College Eagles to the NCAA Frozen Four.
Leonard struck twice and helped No. 1 ranked B.C. stun the defending champion Quinnipiac Bobcats, 5-4 in overtime, to keep their playoff run alive. He also passed Brian Gionta for the most goals scored by a B.C. freshman with his 30th and 31st goals of the campaign.
The 18-year-old didn't just score twice; he also drew a penalty and remained an active, dangerous player at both ends of the ice. His personality and grit were again on display against the Bobcats, and he continues to rise to the occasion when his team needs him the most.
Through two playoff games so far, Leonard has four goals and an assist, along with five shots.
It's becoming more and more likely with each game that Leonard will make the pro jump sooner rather than later, but the ball is in his court. He also said earlier in the year that making the NHL would be a dream come true, but that he is enjoying the NCAA experience and isn't rushing anything.
"Obviously, it's always in the back of your head when you're going to turn pro and then when you're going to take that next step... That's kind of the last of my worries," Leonard said after World Juniors. "The NHL is always going to be there, but I think just college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you never want to rush out of there. Kind of just want to soak it all in and see what you can make happen here."
Through 39 NCAA games so far, the first-year winger has 31 goals and 28 assists for 59 points. Washington took Leonard eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and it appears that an entry-level deal isn't too far away.