Ryan Leonard Inks Entry-Level Deal with Capitals, Set to Join Team

Ryan Leonard © Instagram / ryan.leno_4

In a significant move for the Washington Capitals, 20-year-old forward Ryan Leonard has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team, carrying an average annual value of $950,000. The announcement, made on Monday, marks the next chapter for the highly touted prospect, who is expected to join the Capitals as early as Tuesday for their matchup against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, NESN, TVAS2, SN1). The timing couldn’t be more exciting for Washington fans, as captain Alex Ovechkin sits just five goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record.

Leonard, selected eighth overall by the Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft, brings an impressive resume from his time at Boston College. In his sophomore season, he tallied 49 points (30 goals, 19 assists) in 37 games, becoming the first NCAA player to record consecutive 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson achieved the feat for the same program from 2009-11. His standout performance earned him the Hockey East Player of the Year title, a distinction last claimed by a Boston College skater in 2014 by Johnny Gaudreau.

Beyond his collegiate success, Leonard’s star shone brightly on the international stage. As captain of the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, he tied for second among all players with 10 points (five goals, five assists) in seven games. His leadership and clutch play were instrumental in the U.S. securing a 4-3 overtime victory over Finland, clinching back-to-back gold medals—a historic first for the program. Leonard was named the tournament’s most valuable player, a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.

U.S. coach David Carle praised Leonard’s impact, saying, “He was great. He’s an emotional leader. We know what he can do skill-wise and physicality-wise, but emotionally, I thought a lot of maturity out of him. Calm, steady on the bench, in the locker room. Just a quiet confidence to him. Total gamer and couldn’t have done it without him.”

Leonard’s accolades don’t end there. He’s currently one of 10 candidates for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to the top NCAA men’s hockey player. The field will narrow to three finalists on Thursday, with the winner to be announced on April 11 at the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis (6 p.m. ET; NHLN), just one day before the NCAA championship game at Enterprise Center.

For the Capitals, Leonard’s arrival adds a dynamic young talent to a roster already headlined by Ovechkin’s historic chase. With his scoring prowess, physicality, and proven leadership, Leonard could make an immediate impact as Washington pushes through the latter half of the season. Fans will be eager to see how the former Eagle transitions to the NHL—and whether he can help propel the team toward playoff contention.

As Leonard prepares to take the ice in Washington, his journey from NCAA standout to World Juniors hero to NHL rookie is a storyline worth watching. Tuesday’s game against Boston might just be the beginning of something special.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer