Leonard, Capitals confident about future after time at development camp

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Ryan Leonard didn't need much time to show the Washington Capitals why he was a smart choice with the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The Capitals held their development camp the first week of July, and though the 18-year-old was one of the youngest players on the ice, he made a strong impression.

"I think he showed why we were so pleased to get him," Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said. "He's strong, explosive. I think I said after the draft, his shot, and it was on display here. It's not only accurate, not only does he have a quick release, but he has such a heavy shot."

Leonard's compete level also stood out, whether he was mixing it up in the corners, chirping at a goalie, or exclaiming "Bang!" after a goal by himself or a teammate.

"He is very competitive," Mahoney said. "He's not afraid to take the puck to the net and to kind of score goals in those tougher areas. Really, really happy with him."

Leonard (6-foot, 192 pounds) had 94 points (51 goals, 43 assists) in 57 games with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team last season, and was the third-leading scorer for the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship with 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in seven games, including the gold medal-winning goal in overtime against Sweden.

Born in Northhampton, Massachusetts, he is the first NTDP player selected in the first round by the Capitals and was the first U.S.-born player taken by Washington in the first round since defenseman John Carlson in 2008 (No. 27).

"Pretty special," Leonard said. "Obviously this organization has a lot of trust in me, and I just want to prove them right."

In addition to the on-ice work, Leonard said he got some good development time off the ice and also met Capitals coach Spencer Carbery, who was hired May 30.

"He's new here too so it's pretty special to kind of relate to him like that, but yeah, he's kind of given me tips here," Leonard said.

And Leonard's takeaway from the five-day camp?

"Probably just confidence, honestly," he said. "Just feel confident that I can play and still be special at the next level. People here are awesome and there are special players, so just surround yourself with that but still be one of the good players in the camp."

Leonard's next stop will be Boston College, where he'll begin his freshman season with some short-term goals.

"Win a national championship," he said. "I feel like that's the first thing. And probably the Beanpot. That's a pretty special tournament if you're from Boston. And just kind of keep building and get ready for the next level."