Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In preparation for the 2023-24 season, Washington Hockey Now staff have compiled a list of the top 10 Washington Capitals prospects. The final rankings are based on the research and discussions of WHN staff.

No. 1: Ryan Leonard, RW

Age: 18; Ht-Wt: 6-0, 190; Shoots: Right; Drafted: 1st round, 2023.

The Washington Capitals didn’t have to look long for game film highlighting Ryan Leonard’s competitive drive.

Two months before the Capitals made the winger the No. 8 pick in the 2023 draft, he scored the golden goal in overtime of the IIHF U18 World Championship, securing the United States’ 11th title.

Arguably one of the most competitive prospects in the 2023 draft, Leonard backs up that mindset on the ice with efficient skating skills, stellar puck skills and an above-average shot — making him the Capitals’ top prospect heading into the 2023-24 season.

“He’s got a real interesting skillset … he’s a very competitive guy,” Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said of Leonard, “so I think to be able to get that scoring ability, the playmaking ability and that edge that he plays with I think is a real interesting combination.”

On a deeply-talented U18 roster with the U.S. Development Team Program, his 94 points — 51 goals, 43 assists — ranked him the third-highest offensive producer. He was bested only by Gabriel Perreault (132 points) and Will Smith (127), the draft’s 23rd- and fourth-overall picks, respectively.

With the national program in the rearview, Leonard — along with five of his USNDTP teammates — enter their freshman seasons at Boston College this fall, giving the Golden Eagles the top collegiate recruiting class, according to Neutral Zone. But when it comes to making the jump to pro hockey, Leonard said he will be patient before deciding to make the change.

Statistics

Season Team League GP G A PTS PIM
2021-22 USNDT USHL 33 10 5 15 22
2022-23 USNDT USHL 17 11 9 20 18
Regular Season Stats via HockeyDB

Where Is He Playing This Year?

Leonard is part of Boston College’s highly-touted recruiting class, which includes Team USA teammates Will Smith and Gabriel Perreault, among others.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Anthony Edwards backs up talk to keep Timberwolves alive in WCF
Championship-winning NASCAR team to shut down after 2024 season
Three takeaways as Panthers tie Eastern Conference Final vs. Rangers
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Aaron Boone comes to the defense of retired umpire Angel Hernandez
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Several key players withdraw from NBA Draft
Tyrese Haliburton ready to take active role in retaining Pascal Siakam
Mets stars reportedly had emotional reaction to firing of Buck Showalter
NHL announces 2024 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner
Cardinals sign first-round DL
Rams sign first-round DE, complete draft class
Steelers QB Justin Fields focusing on 'little things' amid battle with Russell Wilson
Pistons confirm that key RFA forward underwent toe surgery
Pirates place left-hander, catcher on injured list
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule