Ryan Leonard could be on his way to DC very shortly.
Leonard’s Boston College Eagles were knocked out of their New Hampshire-based regional on Sunday by the Denver Pioneers, who previously beat BC in the 2024 National Championship game. The 3-1 defeat ends Leonard’s sophomore season with the Eagles before the Frozen Four, putting him on immediate contract watch with the Washington Capitals.
The 20-year-old forward did not record a point in the loss, ending his point streak at 17 games.
Shipped ‘em back to Boston!#GoPios pic.twitter.com/7bTsyFAL9P
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 31, 2025
With the loss, Leonard could now be set to sign his entry-level contract with the Capitals. The Caps attempted to lure their 2023 first-round draft pick out of college at the end of last season, but Leonard ultimately turned the opportunity down to continue his college development.
Capitals general manager Chris Patrick admitted earlier this month that he factored in Leonard’s possible salary cap hit into the team’s plans at the trade deadline. He added five days ago that he planned to get on the phone with Leonard’s agent as soon as the prospect winger’s postseason ended with the Eagles.
“I certainly hope (he’ll sign). We’ll have to see here,” Patrick said. “As soon as his college season is over, we’ll get on the phone and talk to his agent and see if there’s something to be done here for the remainder of this season.”
The Capitals will soon be just down the road from BC when they play the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, potentially allowing Leonard to meet them there if he chooses to sign.
Leonard is the NCAA’s leading goal scorer, potting 30 goals in 37 games this season. He was named Hockey East Player of the Year after finishing as the conference’s scoring champion and Three Stars Award winner. He is also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top player.
When Leonard scored his 30th goal this Friday, he became the first Division-I NCAA player to post back-to-back 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson did so in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Per USCHO.com, he is the first player this millennium to achieve the feat in his first two collegiate seasons.
Leonard has recorded 109 points (61g, 48a) in 78 career games with the Eagles. He also won back-to-back gold medals with Team USA at the World Juniors.
Since the trade deadline has passed, Leonard can be freely added to the Capitals’ roster without necessitating a demotion of any current active players to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. His three-year entry-level contract will kick in as soon as he joins up with the Caps and will likely feature heavy performance bonuses.
