Will Ryan Leonard Reevaluate & Join Capitals This Year? Prospect Could Change His Mind With Will Smith Reportedly Signing With Sharks

The Washington Capitals are eagerly waiting for Ryan Leonard to say he's ready for the NHL, and that time could come sooner rather than later.

Though Leonard expressed interest in returning to Boston College for his sophomore season, he could be reconsidering, per EP Rinkside reporter Sean Shapiro, with linemate Will Smith signing his entry-level deal with the San Jose Sharks.

Smith, who has primarily skated with Leonard and Gabe Perreault during his stint with the Eagles, is ready to go pro, and that decision could impact Leonard and lead him to the pros now.

Leonard is coming off an outstanding freshman NCAA campaign that saw him break a Boston College record with 31 goals, while he also added 29 assists for 60 points in 41 games. He helped the Eagles to the NCAA title game, where they fell to Denver, and he also won gold with Team USA at World Juniors.

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Following the end of his season with B.C., Leonard had the choice to join Washington for its short-lived run in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but he declined, saying that he wanted to return to college for another year.

General manager Brian MacLellan respected his decision and also indicated that the Capitals will support Leonard in any way they can.

Leonard was taken eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and is expected to bring offense, grit and physicality to the mix, along with expert playmaking and a wicked shot. He is also coming off his first taste of pro hockey, as he laced 'em up with Team USA in the IIHF World Championship in Prague as an extra forward.

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It would be a major boost for D.C., a team in transition that needs more goal-scoring and grit up front. Still, the ball is in Leonard's court for now, and he indicated earlier this season he's in no rush to join the NHL ranks.

"Obviously, it's always in the back of your head when you're going to turn pro and then when you're going to take that next step... That's kind of the last of my worries," Leonard said after World Juniors. "The NHL is always going to be there, but I think just college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you never want to rush out of there. Kind of just want to soak it all in and see what you can make happen here."