Ryan Leonard is one of the most exciting prospects in hockey. The Washington Capitals first-round pick leads the NCAA in goals, and the common thought is that he’ll be able to have an instant impact in the NHL once he departs Boston College to sign his entry-level contract.
With the league’s trade deadline just over a week away, Capitals general manager Chris Patrick held court with reporters ahead of the team’s game against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night. During his presser, the first-year GM was asked if Leonard’s potential spring arrival had any impact on the club’s deadline plans.
“Ryan, I think, is a little bit, we have to hold separate,” Patrick said. “Obviously he decided to go back to college this year. He’s accomplished a lot of great things this year, like a lot of our prospects have, so I think we’re going to have to approach the deadline with him kind of holding him separate. And then once his season is done, we’ll talk with his camp, and see if he’s ready to come out at that time.”
The Capitals previously attempted to lure Leonard out of college last year ahead of their first-round playoff series against the New York Rangers. Leonard went back and forth on the offer but ultimately decided to return for his sophomore season with the Eagles, explaining that he wanted to ensure a second run at World Juniors gold with Team USA and earn an NCAA title for BC.
Leonard achieved double World Juniors gold last month, recording 10 points (5g, 5a) in seven games for Team USA, and was named the tournament MVP. The no. 1 ranked Eagles have three regular-season games left before they begin Hockey East tournament play and then hopefully fight for an NCAA title at the Frozen Four.
If Washington does ink Leonard to his first NHL deal later this season, they’ll need to clear out a roster spot for him. The Caps are currently carrying a full complement of 23 players and have Sonny Milano ready to come off of long-term injured reserve in the near future, meaning they would likely need a trade or waivers move to fit Leonard in.
The 20-year-old winger has 42 points (27g, 15a) in 31 games this season. He is slated to be one of the favorites to win the 2025 Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey.
Outside of holding Leonard separate to any plans, Patrick confirmed that “anything’s on the table” ahead of the March 7 deadline.
