The details of Ryan Leonard’s three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals were revealed by PuckPedia on Tuesday.
The top prospect’s deal includes performance bonuses over the course of his contract, including a $275k pledge if he can capture this year’s Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Leonard, 20, who just played his first NHL game on Tuesday night, would need the Capitals to go on an incredible run in the postseason and outproduce Alex Ovechkin to get that nod.
But, according to Twitter user @MouserGuru, an “NHL capologist” and “CBA guru,” the bonus is less a far-fetched hope Leonard can get the Conn Smythe and more a clever workaround to ensure that Leonard’s more achievable bonuses next year and the year after can pay him more. Under current cap rules, all contracts, entry-level included, can’t increase by more than 100 percent year over year. So, by adding a $275k potential bonus in Leonard’s first year, his performance bonus cap for his second year rose from $950k to $1.5 million.
The higher bonus money makes departing the NCAA early for the NHL more attractive for top prospects as they can earn more on top of the $950k maximum salary on entry-level contracts. Leonard’s potential $1.5 million in bonuses next year is split between two categories, “A” level bonuses and “B” level bonuses.
Per PuckPedia, Leonard’s “A” level bonuses are worth $250,000 each, totaling a maximum of $1 million next year, and include:
- 20 goals
- 35 assists
- 60 points
- Top six in time-on-ice among forwards (in total and/or per game) on team (minimum 42 games)
- Top three in plus/minus among forwards on team (minimum 42 games)
- 0.73 points per game (minimum 42 games)
- End of season All-Rookie Team
- All-Star selection
- All-Star MVP
Leonard’s “B” level bonuses are worth up to $500k next year and include achieving any singular one of the following:
- Top ten in goals, assists, points, or points per game among NHL forwards (minimum 42 games)
- Win any of the following trophies: Hart, Selke, Richard, Conn Smythe, Norris
- End of season First or Second Team All-Star
Leonard’s bonus cap will increase to $2 million, split between the two levels, in his third year with the Capitals (2026-27).
Leonard’s nuanced contract comes under a year after the Capitals purchased CapFriendly. Not only are they putting it to good use, but now Leonard will have achievable targets to aim for next season that will pay him what he deserves.
