Will Smith, Leonard’s center and former National Team Development Program linemate, chose to leave BC after his freshman season and sign with the San Jose Sharks. Leonard did not follow. He wanted one more go with the Eagles alongside fellow sophomores Drew Fortescue, Jacob Fowler and Gabe Perreault, all NHL picks. Leonard did not regret it.

Leonard won a battle on the wall and then two races to loose pucks to keep the play alive before feeding Aliaksei Protas at the point, which began a tic-tac-toe passing sequence that led to Dylan Strome’s goal with 9:23 left in the game.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed forward Ryan Leonard to a three-year entry-level contract, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today. Leonard 's contract will carry an average annual value of $950,000. The Capitals selected Leonard with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.