Ryan Leonard Would Add ‘Playoff Hockey’ Mindset To Capitals At No. 8

In a draft full of skilled scorers and cerebral puck-handlers, winger Ryan Leonard is one of the true two-way forwards — and a good one at that — who could be in play when the Washington Capitals go on the clock at No. 8.

Central Scouting’s fifth-ranked North American skater, Leonard is fresh off a 94-point season with the U.S. National Development U18 team — one in which he was bested only by fellow potential first-rounders Gabe Perreault (132) and Will Smith (127).

“He plays playoff hockey every single day,” Dan Muse, the head coach of the U.S. National Development U18 team, told NHL.com. “He doesn’t know anything else. That’s just in his DNA. They’re going to get a pretty special player there, whoever drafts him.”

Leonard, a Boston College commit, is expected to reunite with Smith and Perreault at the NCAA level, keeping the U.S. U18 team’s top line together into the near future.

Before the 2023 NHL Draft kicks off on June 28, Washington Hockey Now
is taking a look at the prospects that could be in play
for the Washington Capitals’ No. 8 pick.

Click here for more insight on the draft’s prospects.

Career Stats

Mock Draft Roundup

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman (7-round, June 21): 7th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers

NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman (June 11): 6th overall by the Arizona Coyotes

NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale (June 11): 5th overall by the Montreal Canadiens

The Sporting News’ Bryan Murphy (3.0, June 7): 11th overall by the Vancouver Canucks