Ryan Leonard is getting ready for his second full season in the NHL after notching 45 points (20g, 20a) in 75 games during the 2025-26 campaign. Amid those more serious preparations, the 21-year-old winger had some time for more friendly, fun competition on Thursday as he was one of the many NHL stars to participate in the annual Shoulder Check Showcase charity game.
Leonard, originally announced as part of Team Prentiss, actually ended up dressing for Team Shattenkirk in the game, ending up on the right side of a 15-9 victory. The friendly contest, held at Sacred Heart University’s Martire Family Arena, helped raise money for the HT40 Foundation, a mental health charity created in honor of the late Hayden Thorsen.
Leonard, a 20-goal scorer this past year, didn’t leave the game without denting the twine, beating Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon for his team’s seventh goal. Leonard faked a shot before finishing high over Lyon’s left shoulder and glove hand.
Ryan Leonard scores on Alex Lyon during Shoulder Check Showcase
The good-cause occasion also marked an opportunity for Leonard to reunite on the ice with some of his former Boston College teammates, including Gabe Perreault, Will Smith, Cutter Gauthier, and Drew Fortescue.
Leonard and Perreault had a funny moment when they lined up to take a faceoff against one another in the second period. After Leonard pushed the puck to one of his linemates, Perreault purposefully tripped his good buddy to try and stop him from getting up the ice.
Gabe Perreault trips Ryan Leonard after faceoff
Leonard will soon be foes with Perreault again, but in a more competitive setting when the two are Metropolitan Division rivals on the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers. As the summer progresses, more NHL players will return to their teams’ home cities in preparation for training camp.
The Capitals will be leaning on Leonard to take another step in his game as he looks to become a big part of a revamped top-nine forward group. He will also be playing for his next contract as he is set to become a restricted free agent next offseason.
