Boston College winger Ryan Leonard has decided to return to the NCAA for his sophomore season instead of joining the Washington Capitals for the playoffs. General manager Brian MacLellan made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that Leonard expressed a desire to continue developing at the college level before transitioning to the NHL.
Leonard had an impressive freshman year at Boston College, setting program records for goals scored by a freshman and ranking third in goals scored in the NCAA. Despite speculation on social media suggesting he may change his mind and join the Capitals, Leonard has chosen to stay at Boston College.
The 6-foot, 192-pound winger had an outstanding season with 60 points in 41 games for the Eagles, helping them reach the Frozen Four. He was also selected eighth overall in last year’s draft and had an opportunity to follow the path of other young players who debuted in the NHL postseason. However, he chose to focus on his development in college.
Although Leonard will not be joining the Capitals, his decision to return to Boston College will allow him to continue playing alongside his linemates and chase a national championship. Cutter Gauthier, another successful college hockey player who recently signed with Anaheim, is expected to make his debut for the Ducks in their upcoming game.
The future of Ryan Leonard in the NHL remains uncertain, but it will be exciting to see how he progresses in his sophomore year at Boston College and how his decision to prioritize development in college will shape his future career path. The Capitals and their fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Leonard’s progress as he continues to grow and build upon his successful freshman season.