Ryan Leonard discloses emotional reason for delaying his NHL debut with Washington Capitals

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jul 29, 2024 14:40 GMT

Ryan Leonard, a top prospect for the Washington Capitals, discussed delaying his NHL debut. After his freshman year at Boston College, Leonard faced a major decision. In late April, then-Capitals GM Brian MacLellan offered him a contract. This was just as the Capitals made the playoffs.

Speaking at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in early July, Leonard shared the turmoil he felt that night.

“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 just had no idea what to do,” Leonard said.

Ryan Leonard, the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, relied on his family for guidance. His brother John, an NHL player with 70 games, helped him decide. They considered the pros and cons and chose another year at college.

Leonard is now at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Michigan. He is one of 46 players picked by USA Hockey to compete for a spot on the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship team.

Leonard said his decision was greatly influenced by losing the NCAA national championship to Denver in his freshman year, via NHL.com.

"We have some unfinished business, honestly. Maybe if our game against Denver goes the other way, it could have been a little bit different and I could have played the end of the season with the Capitals. But Washington has been really supportive.

"They told me whenever I was ready, they’d be grateful and happy. Leaving my team after losing that last game against Denver was just something I couldn’t do."

The disappointment of not winning the title, combined with the Capitals' support, led him to stay at Boston College for another season.

Ryan Leonard plans to lead Boston College to success before joining Capitals

Ryan Leonard had an impressive first NCAA season, scoring 60 points (31 goals and 29 assists) in 40 games. He broke the Boston College freshman goal record previously held by Brian Gionta. Despite his achievements, missing out on the Beanpot and the national championship left Leonard feeling he had unfinished business.

“We were 2-for-4 in 2023-24, winning the regular-season crown and Hockey East Tournament but we lost the Beanpot and the national championship game so, obviously, you want to go 4-for-4,” Leonard explained. “On top of that, I just want to fine-tune my game and know that’ll help me at the next level.”

Ryan Leonard aims to lead Boston College to more success next season. With James Hagens, a projected top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, expected to join, Leonard hopes to form a strong duo.

“I want to be a part of the team that wins Boston College another national championship," he added.

He is optimistic about joining the Capitals after his sophomore season and is ready to bring his refined skills to the professional stage:

“My whole plan the whole time was two years and then come [to Washington], but I had no idea they were actually going to offer me (a contract). I thought, like, that was the plan from the start that I set last year.”

Ryan Leonard's choice to delay his NHL debut shows his commitment to personal growth and his team's success.