Ryan Leonard talked at Development Camp on the difficult choice he made to turn down a Washington Capitals contract offer after his Boston College freshman campaign ended. After the Caps defeated the Flyers in Game 82 of the 2023–24 season to earn a postseason berth, Leonard was then asked by General Manager Brian MacLellan of the Capitals to join the team in late April.
At the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in early July, Leonard stated, “That night when it happened, I didn’t go to sleep til probably 3 or 4 in the morning, and I had class the next day.” “I simply didn’t know what to do,” In order to get advice, Leonard spoke with his family and turned to his brother John, an NHL veteran of 70 games. After weighing the benefits and drawbacks, he ultimately chose to return for his sophomore year of college.
The top prospect for the Capitals, selected eighth overall in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, is currently taking part in the World Junior Summer Showcase. This event will assist choose the rosters for Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the United States in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan is the location of the workouts and scrimmages. Leonard was one of 46 athletes selected by USA Hockey for the competition.
During his time there, the youthful forward hinted in an interview that he would have seriously contemplated quitting school if Boston College’s heartbreaking 2-0 loss to Denver in the NCAA title game had gone differently.
To be honest, we still have some unresolved issues, Leonard told NHL.com. “Perhaps things would have turned out differently and I might have finished the season with the Caps if our game versus Denver had gone the other way. However, Washington has been incredibly helpful. They assured me they would be appreciative and delighted when I was ready. I just couldn’t leave my squad after we lost to Denver in our most recent game.
With 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists) in 40 games at the completion of his debut NCAA season, Leonard had the third-highest goal total in the nation. His 31 goals eclipsed Brian Gionata’s 1998 record of 30 goals to break the Boston College record for most goals scored by a freshman.
Leonard was troubled by more than just his defeat in the NCAA title game. The previous season, Boston College failed to win the Beanpot, a famous hockey tournament that matches the top four schools in the Boston area. In the championship game, Boston University defeated BC 4-3.
“Obviously, you want to go 4-for-4 in 2023–24, but we were only 2-for-4 with the regular-season title and Hockey East Tournament won, the Beanpot, and the national championship game lost,” Leonard stated. “In addition, I simply want to improve because I know that will help me reach new heights.”
In 2025, Boston College is predicted to be the front-runner once more. James Hagens, the top-ranked choice expected in the 2025 NHL Draft, may play on a line with Leonard.
After the 2019–20 season is over, Leonard intends to sign with the Capitals, starting what might be an incredible NHL career.
“I had no idea they were actually going to offer me (a contract),” Leonard said. “My whole plan was two years and then come [to Washington],” Leonard added. “I felt like that was the plan I had last year from the beginning.”
But he went on, “I want to be a part of the team that brings home another national championship for Boston College.”
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