Capitals Select Forward Ryan Leonard With No. 8 Overall Pick

NASHVILLE — The Washington Capitals used the No. 8 pick in Wednesday’s NHL Draft to select American forward Ryan Leonard — the team’s first top-10 draft choice since 2007.

Leonard is ranked the No. 5 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

Last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U18 team, Leonard tallied 94 points (51 goals, 43 assists) in 57 games — placing third on the team behind only potential first-round pick Gabe Perreault (132) and No. 4 overall pick Will Smith (127).