A new star will join the Washington Capitals ahead of their playoff push. Ryan Leonard, the NCAA’s leading goal scorer with Boston College this season, signed his first contract with the Capitals on Monday.
Washington selected Leonard with the eighth pick in the 2023 NHL entry draft, though he spent the last two seasons with Boston College. The rookie’s entry-level contract is worth $2.85 million over three years, the Capitals announced.
The top-seeded Eagles’ early exit from the ongoing NCAA Tournament — Boston College lost to Denver on Sunday night — allowed Leonard to join the Capitals with nine games remaining in the regular season.
The 20-year-old forward ends his college career with 61 goals and 48 assists in 78 games.
Leonard flashed NHL readiness during the World Junior Championships in January. The scoring machine was named the tournament‘s MVP after leading Team USA to a gold medal.
“Proud of him, of the season that he’s had but also the way he’s conducted himself,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said Monday. “The year that he’s had with the world juniors and another really strong season for him at B.C. Anytime you don’t win the last game, it’s a tough feeling. Those one-and-done scenarios are tough.”
Leonard could make his NHL debut in his native Massachusetts when the Capitals face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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