Washington Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard to return to Boston College for sophomore season

One of the top players in college hockey is electing to stay on campus for another year.

On Wednesday, Boston College Eagles forward Ryan Leonard decided to return for his sophomore season.

Leonard was the eighth overall pick of the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft, and could have elected to sign with the team in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the Amherst, Massachusetts native has chosen to go back to a program with a potentially stacked roster in Chestnut Hill.

Ryan Leonard indicated his desire to return for his sophomore season at Boston College,” MacLellan said. “We support Ryan’s decision to return to one of the best programs in the nation to continue his development. Ryan showed great leadership and made tremendous progress during his first year, which saw him score the most goals by a freshman in Boston College program history and the third-most goals in the NCAA. We will continue to monitor his development and progress next year and look forward to watching Ryan build upon his successful freshman season.”

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan issued a statement, backing Leonard’s decision.

“We support Ryan’s decision to return to one of the best programs in the nation to continue his development,” MacLellan said. “Ryan showed great leadership and made tremendous progress during his first year…We will continue to monitor his development and progress next year and look forward to watching Ryan build upon his successful freshman season.”

Leonard was one of the top scorers in the NCAA this past season. On a dominant Eagles team that made it all the way to the national championship game, the 19-year-old scored 31 goals and 60 points, tied for fourth in the NCAA in scoring. He was a few points behind fellow freshman teammate Will Smith, who finished first in the nation with 71 points.

Boston College had four of the top six scorers in the country. Cutter Gauthier, who just signed his entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, led the country with 38 goals. Gabe Perreault also posted 60 points in his freshman season.

At this time, it looks like Leonard might be re-joining Smith and Perreault at BC, as the latter parties have yet to sign their entry-level contracts. However, that could change later this offseason. Smith was the San Jose Sharks’ first pick in last year’s draft–fourth overall–while Perreault was selected 23rd overall last summer by the New York Rangers.