Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard (born January 21, 2005) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected eighth overall by the Capitals in the 2023 NHL entry draft. He played college ice hockey at Boston College.

Playing career
College
Leonard began his college ice hockey at Boston College during the 2023–24 season. During his freshman year he recorded 31 goals and 29 assists in 41 games. Following the season he was named to the All-Hockey East Second Team, Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and an AHCA East Second Team All-American.

During the 2024–25 season, in his sophomore year, he recorded 30 goals and 19 assists in 37 games. He led the NCAA in goals, and became the first player with consecutive 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson in the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons. During conference play he led Hockey East in goals (25), points (37), points per game (1.54), shots (116), game-winning goals (8), and plus-minus (+25). Following the season he was named to the All-Hockey East First Team, the Hockey East Scoring Champion, Hockey East Player of the Year, and won the Hockey East Three-Stars Award. He was also named a Hobey Hat Trick finalist for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award, and a AHCA East First Team All-American.

Professional
On March 31, 2025, Leonard signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals. He made his NHL debut the next day in a game against the Boston Bruins with many of his former Boston College teammates in attendance. Leonard scored his first career goal, an empty netter, on April 4, in a 5–3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.