Washington Capitals Sign Top Prospect Ryan Leonard

The Washington Capitals have signed their top prospect, Ryan Leonard, to a three-year, entry-level deal at a $950,000 AAV. He will likely see everyday playing time from here until the end of the season.

HELLO, LENO‼️

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Ryan Leonard to a three-year entry-level contract. Leonard's contract will carry an average annual value of $950,000.#ALLCAPS | @Shift4
— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 31, 2025

The 20-year-old forward has spent the last two seasons at Boston College in the NCAA dominating. The team was just eliminated, so it allows the Capitals to get their talented prospect in the lineup for a good amount of games before the playoffs.

Leonard just scored 30 goals and 49 points in 37 games after putting up 31 goals and 60 points in 41 games last season. He also had a great World Juniors, scoring five goals and 10 points in seven games while taking home Gold.

While past top forward prospects like Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ivan Miroshnichenko have all spent time in the AHL, Leonard may be the exception as he looks NHL ready already and has the size and skill.

Leonard led the NCAA in goals (30) and game-winning goals (9) this season. He was the first NCAA player with back-to-back 30 goal seasons since Cam Atkinson in 2009-11. In his two seasons in the NCAA, he was named the finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and named Hockey East Player of the Year and 1st Team All Star.

The Capitals, who are the top team in the Eastern Conference, are fortunate enough to have excellent scouting and developing as the organization is rich with talent. Leonard is only the first of the next batch of skilled players on the way. He is going to make an impact for Washington this season and moving forward. I expect him to slot in on the third line or higher.