Ryan Leonard Prospect Writeup
- dbuckley757
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Ryan Leonard has been turning heads in the prospect world, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young talents in hockey. Selected 8th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft, Leonard’s blend of physicality, finesse, and elite skating has drawn widespread praise, with his performances at Boston College and the World Juniors showcasing a rare combination of grit and skill. Standing at 6’0” and 190 pounds with room to fill out , Leonard boasts a sturdy frame that he uses to dominate along the boards and in the corners, while his elite acceleration and effortless skating stride allow him to blow past defenders. His game is defined by a relentless motor, high-end hockey sense, and a knack for making plays against top competition, setting him apart from peers who often rely on weaker opponents to pad their stats. Leonard’s ability to drive a line has been evident at Boston College, where he’s been a catalyst for linemates like Will Smith, a 2023 top-5 pick, and James Hagens, a projected 2025 first-overall selection. His immediate impact with the Capitals, stepping into a second-line role post-NCAA elimination in 2025, underscores the organization’s confidence in his NHL readiness.
Playing for Boston College in the NCAA, Leonard has been a standout in the 2024-25 season. Through 36 games, he’s recorded 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists), a 0.97 points-per-game pace that reflects his offensive prowess and ability to produce in a highly competitive league. His skating is a standout trait, with elite acceleration enabling him to lead rushes and create scoring chances, while his physicality ensures he’s a constant presence in the offensive zone. Defensively, Leonard is a coach’s dream, always digging pucks out of corners, maintaining positioning, and refusing to cheat for breakouts. His ability to consistently compete in all three zones, combined with his offensive upside, projects him as a future top-six winger in the NHL, capable of driving play and elevating linemates. While his speed is elite his stick handling at top end speed is top notch, he can dangle and do things with the puck at the top of his speed that most guys can't do in 1st gear. Leonard has an level snap shot which would be good for at least a 25 goal floor, but his effort will notch him much more than that. He has a nose for the net while also being able to dangle defenders out of their skates.
(In the video you can see Leonard back checking and getting physical)
Leonard’s stock as a prospect is sky-high, bolstered by his well-rounded skill set and high floor. His physical frame and relentless work ethic give him an edge that should translate seamlessly to the NHL, while his skating and hockey sense provide a foundation for further offensive growth. As he continues to refine his playmaking and finishing, Leonard could push his point totals higher in future seasons, potentially carrying the point-per-game mark in the NCAA to the NHL. Coaches will value his versatility, as he’s equally effective on the power play, penalty kill, or in crunch-time situations. The Capitals’ prospect pipeline, brimming with talent like Ivan Miroshnichenko and Andrew Cristall, provides an ideal environment for Leonard to thrive even if Ovechkin retires, and even if he reaches only a fraction of his projected ceiling, his intangibles make him a safe bet to become a fan favorite and impactful NHLer. His fantasy hockey potential is immense, with the ability to rack up points, hits, shots, and blocks, making him a dream for managers seeking a multi-category contributor.
(Some slick moves and skating strides here, this may not be available at the NHL level, but the sheer audacity to attempt this at any level is insane)
Comparing Leonard to Matthew Tkachuk at the junior level, their playstyles and stats reveal striking similarities with distinct nuances. Leonard’s 2024-25 NCAA pace of 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 36 games (0.97 points-per-game) aligns closely with Tkachuk’s 2015-16 OHL season with the London Knights, where he posted 107 points (30 goals, 77 assists) in 57 games (1.88 points-per-game). Leonard’s superior skating gives him an edge in creating rush chances, while Tkachuk leaned on positioning and hockey IQ to generate offense. Defensively, they’re comparable, with both trusted to shut down top lines and contribute in all situations. Tkachuk’s 80 penalty minutes in 2015-16 highlight a similar agitating style to Leonard’s hard-hitting approach, though Leonard’s 26 penalty minutes suggest slightly more discipline. Overall, Leonard reminds me of Tkachuk even the way he chews his mouth guard... Expect Leonard to be an instant impact on the ice, a black ace for the capitals in the playoffs, and a potential top 6 dynamo for years to come.
(Leonard getting welcomed to the NHL)
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