With the 8th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Capitals have selected forward Ryan Leonard from the USNTDP.
“Leonard is dangerous with the puck in the offensive zone, possessing a pro-calibre shot and hands. He is incredibly deceptive, using his upper body and eyes to turn defenders’ feet and sticks before walking around them or getting a shot on net. Leonard is a great facilitator, as well. After making a move, he can find guys in stride in dangerous spots. An above-average skater, Leonard can employ all of these tools off the rush too, making him even more versatile.”
EliteProspects 2023 NHL Draft Guide
Here’s how he was ranked by various scouts heading into this draft:
- Ranked #7 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
- Ranked #6 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
- Ranked #22 by FCHOCKEY
- Ranked #6 by FLOHOCKEY/CHRIS PETERS
- Ranked #7 by DAILY FACEOFF
- Ranked #7 by THE HOCKEY NEWS
- Ranked #6 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
- Ranked #8 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
- Ranked #12 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
- Ranked #5 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
- Ranked #6 by SPORTSNET
- Ranked #6 by HPR/SHANE MALLOY
- Ranked #7 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
- Ranked #10 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
- Ranked #7 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
- Ranked #11 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ryan Leonard’s stat sheet:
Check out Leonard in action:
Additional reading:
- How Capitals’ Ryan Leonard used ‘bulldog’ mentality to become 2023 NHL Draft’s No. 8 pick ($)
- Prospect of Interest: The skill and snarl of Ryan Leonard
- Call him ‘goal-oriented’: Amherst hockey prodigy Ryan Leonard likely a top 10 NHL Draft pick
More to come…