Washington Capitals prospect reveals the reason he refused to sign with the team

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Josh Tupper
July 29, 2024 (12:08)

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Ryan Leonard Chooses to Return to Boston College, Delaying NHL Debut

The Washington Capitals selected Ryan Leonard 8th overall during the 2023 NHL Draft, hoping to sign him to an entry-level contract by now. However, Leonard has other plans. The young prospect wants to return to Boston College to capture the NCAA Championship that eluded his team when they lost to Denver.

Leonard spoke to the media during the Washington Capitals Development camp, revealing that Washington GM Brian MacLellan approached him to join the team in late April, a day after the Caps beat the Flyers in Game 82.

«That night when it happened, I didn't go to sleep till probably 3 or 4 in the morning, and I had class the next day,» Leonard said. «I just had no idea what to do.»

Leonard consulted his family and leaned on his brother John, a veteran of 70 NHL games, to guide him. He made a pros and cons list and ultimately decided to return to college for his sophomore season.

Leonard admitted that if things had gone differently during the NCAA national championship game and Boston College had emerged victorious, he would have strongly considered signing his entry-level deal with the Capitals.

«We have some unfinished business, honestly,» Leonard said to NHL.com. «Maybe if our game against Denver goes the other way, it could have been a little bit different and I could have played the end of the season with the Capitals. But Washington has been really supportive. They told me whenever I was ready, they'd be grateful and happy. Leaving my team after losing that last game against Denver was just something I couldn't do.»

Leonard further elaborated on his decision, saying:

«My whole plan the whole time was two years and then come [to Washington], but I had no idea they were actually going to offer me (a contract),» Leonard said. «I thought, like, that was the plan from the start that I set last year.» He added though, «I want to be a part of the team that wins Boston College another national championship.»

The 19-year-old scored 31 goals and 60 points in 41 games during his freshman year at Boston College. His 31 goals broke the Boston College record for most goals by a freshman, overtaking Brian Gionta's mark of 30 set in 1998.

Leonard's decision to return to Boston College shows his commitment to his team and his desire to achieve unfinished business. While the Capitals will have to wait a bit longer to see their top prospect in action, Leonard's development at the collegiate level will undoubtedly benefit both him and the team in the long run.

Source: Blade of Steel
Capitals Ryan Leonard first round pick makes decision on his future