Washington Capitals Top Prospect Ryan Leonard decided against turning pro from Boston College, unlike his former linemate, San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith.
Washington Capitals Top Prospect Ryan Leonard decided against turning pro from Boston College, unlike his former linemate, San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith.
Leonard was taken No. 8 overall in 2023 and had 31 goals and 29 assists in 41 games during his freshman year at Boston College. Leonard was part of the "freshman line" with Smith down the middle and New York Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault on the other wing.
With the World Junior Summer Showcase underway, NHL.com's Mike Morreale caught up with the Team USA forward to discuss why he decided to return to the NCAA for his sophomore season.
"We have some unfinished business, honestly," Leonard told Morreale. "Maybe if our game against Denver goes the other way (a 2-0 loss in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game), it could have been a little bit different and I could have played the end of the season with the Capitals. But Washington has been really supportive. They told me whenever I was ready, they'd be grateful and happy. Leaving my team after losing that last game against Denver was just something I couldn't do."
BC lost in the National Championship game to Denver University 2-0.
Leonard suggests he would've signed with the Capitals if his team had won the National Championship game.
"We were 2-for-4 in 2023-24, winning the regular-season crown and Hockey East Tournament but we lost the Beanpot and the national championship game so, obviously, you want to go 4-for-4," Leonard said. "On top of that, I just want to fine-tune my game and know that'll help me at the next level."
Smith led the NCAA in points last season with 71 points (25 goals, 46 assists) in 41 games. The centerman signed his entry-level contract and will play in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks next season.
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