The Washington Capitals are adding a big piece as they prepare for their playoff run.
The Capitals announced they signed top prospect Ryan Leonard to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday. The deal will carry an average annual of $950,000.
Per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Leonard is expected to make his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.
The 20-year-old was selected eighth overall by the Capitals at the 2023 draft and spent the last two seasons playing at Boston College, who were just eliminated by Denver at the Frozen Four.
Leonard, who is among the Hobey Baker finalists for the 2024-25 season, had 30 goals and 49 points in 37 games for Boston College. He also led the United States to a gold medal finish at the 2025 World Juniors, scoring a team-high five goals while adding five assists in seven games as captain.
The Capitals, who have already clinched their playoff berth, sit atop the Metropolitan Division and are first in the Eastern Conference. If the post-season began today, they would play the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1.
