Amid a three-game losing streak in the 2024-25 NHL season, the Washington Capitals announced a crucial prospect has been signed to his entry-level contract, meaning he will join the team’s playoff push and Alex Ovechkin‘s chase for the NHL goals record, currently owned by Wayne Gretzky.
The Capitals will be looking to snap their losing skid and get back on the win column when they visit the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on April 1. With ‘Ovi’ just five goals shy of breaking Gretzky’s record, all the eyes will be on the 39-year-old Russian star.
However, there are other intriguing storylines surrounding the Capitals. Following Boston College’s elimination just short of the Frozen Four in the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament, the NHL franchise in the nation’s capital made a pivotal decision.
Exciting prospect Ryan Leonard signed his entry-level contract (ELC) with the Washington Capitals, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $950,000.
Ryan Leonard #9 of the Boston College Eagles during the first period of the 2025 Beanpot Tournament Championship at TD Garden on February 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Washington’s first-round and eighth overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft is joining Ovechkin and the Capitals amid a sensational season, in which both ‘Ovi’ individually and the team are chasing greatness. Perhaps Leonard’s arrival is what Ovechkin needed as he is just five goals away from surpassing Gretzky‘s 894 tallies.
see also
NHL News: Alex Ovechkin makes very sincere admission amid Capitals’ losing slump
Debut on familiar ice
According to several reports, Leonard could make his NHL debut during the upcoming clash with the Bruins on the road. Leonard would be playing back in his homestate of Massachusetts, where he also attended school at Boston College in Chestnut Hill.
Leonard played two seasons with the Eagles in the NCAA, becoming one of the biggest stars in college ice-hockey. After two sensational years, in which he totalled 109 points (61 goals and 48 assists), Leonard capped off his sophomore campaign being nominated to the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, the annual recognition for the top NCAA men’s hockey player.
Moreover, Leonard also captained the U-20 Team USA as they struck gold during the latest World Juniors, registering 10 points (5G and 5A) in 7 games played.
SurveyWhen will Ovechkin break Gretzky\'s goals record?
When will Ovechkin break Gretzky\'s goals record?
ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE
Impact player
With his addition to the roster, Ovechkin and the Capitals gain an exciting talent who has the potential to develop into one of the league’s top centers in the future. In the short term, Leonard can make an immediate impact, injecting fresh energy and showcasing his impressive skill set for a team that appears to have hit a rough patch.
