Ryan Leonard

February 2024 – Leonard has been a force for Boston College in the NCAA registering 42 points in 30 games. That is only good for fourth on the team though as he is being outproduced by other stand out first round selections Will Smith, Gabe Perrault, and Cutter Gauthier. At times it is tough to distinguish who the driver of the line with him, Smith and Perrault, but one thing is certain: they are all going to be great players. Everything previously written about Leonard is still true to this day except he is slightly taller (grew an inch) and is stronger physically. Pat Quinn

January 2024 – Leonard did not have as statistical an impact as many hoped at the WJC with just six points in seven games, but he was an integral part of helping Team USA win the gold medal with his size and forechecking ability. Pat Quinn

December 2023 – In an unsurprising move Leonard has made the Team USA World Junior Championship roster. He should feature in the top six. Pat Quinn

October 2023 – Leonard was a standout at Capitals prospect camp. Many members of team management came away more than impressed. Unfortunately, for Washington, he was going back to the NCAA no matter what so he was not a feature at training camp / exhibition play. Leonard will be a star for Boston College this season and may even sign with the Capitals once his season is completed, but Washington does have a roster where they can give him an extra season with Boston College if need be. In two games so far, Leonard has just one assist. He also has seven shots so the points will soon come. Pat Quinn

June 2023 – Leonard has been selected 8th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft. Curtis Rines

April 2023 – Leonard is the most physically imposing 5’11” player in the entire draft. He has a thick frame and it’s evident he has worked hard with his strength and conditioning during his two seasons with the USNDTP. Leonard is a right-shot RW playing on the NTDP’s top line with fellow Boston College commits, Will Smith and Gabe Perrault. Leonard plays a very translatable game with average to great tools across the board. His best tools are his shot, compete level, and physicality. He uses his strong frame to power his way to the front of the net, and when he’s sitting out in front of the net, he does not get pushed around. This playing style puts him in position for many high-danger scoring chances. Still, he’s more than just a net-front presence, as he’s a solid passer with a great shot that he uses to score from range at even strength and on the PP. Leonard is a tenacious player who will win far more puck battles than he loses due to outworking the opponent, using his body and leverage effectively, and by simply being stronger than the other player. Simply put, Leonard plays winning hockey and could be a very effective power forward with skill in the NHL. Jordan Harris

September 2022 – Leonard split time last year with the U17 and U18 NTDP teams and compiled 46 points in 62 games across both teams. Leonard also played for USA in the World Juniors, where he was able to rack up five goals and one assist in six games. He is in line to play a big role for the U18 squad this season and has already gotten off to a prolific start. 

A terrific player on both sides of the puck with decent hands in close quarters, Leonard has a lot to like about his game, especially given he brings both physicality and above-average footspeed to his forechecking game. He shows great offensive instincts to position himself in areas to support his teammates under pressure, and he finds pockets of space in the slot to dart into and present a scoring threat. His shot is powerful and accurate, though sometimes the release can allow the defender to step to him and snuff it out. His forechecking ability with the stick allows him to pickpocket the puck carrier and quickly turn things to the attack. His puck possession skills and strength to protect it are very good, and he is able to fend off the opposition long enough to make plays. He has a very smooth skating stride, picking up speed effortlessly with his crossovers, and he shows great decision-making with the puck in his own end, making responsible zone exits or dumps instead of trying to beat his man one on one. He has all the makings of a middle-six player that you can rely upon in all situations, but he may have some more offensive upside to be discovered. Alexander Annun