Ryan Leonard Explains What Went Into Decision To Return To BC, Process & Next Steps With Capitals: 'I Want To Be Over-Ready'

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Ryan Leonard remembers the day vividly. He was hopping on a Zoom call with the Washington Capitals, who had just clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs the night before, and figured they were going to reassess his situation and recap the season. Instead, they offered him an entry-level contract.

It was hard for Leonard to sleep that night; he spoke with his agent and his family about his options and then stayed up until 3 or 4 a.m., balancing the pros and cons that come with a full-time NHL jump.

"My whole plan the whole time was two years and then come here, but I had no idea they were actually going to offer me (a contract)," he said, adding, "It all happened so fast. I don't really know if I was completely prepared for it."

Leonard leaned on his brother as he pondered his next steps, and then ultimately made a difficult decision: he would turn down his NHL offer and return to Boston College for another shot at a championship.

"It was whatever I wanted to do," he said. "Made a big spreadsheet, notes, whatever you want to call it. Pros and cons of both, but ultimately, I think I made the right decision."

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When it came down to making that difficult choice, Leonard said a lot of it had to do with his readiness to play at the highest level, as well as the desire to experience college for another year and the opportunity to potentially captain Team USA at World Juniors this coming year.

"I talked to a lot of people about this. College is the best time of your life. A lot of people that go one and done, 10 years down the road say they regret it," Leonard said. "After I made my initial statement of saying I was going to stay, I met Kevin Hayes before I went to men's worlds, and he told me right away, he goes, 'Dude, if I was in your position, I would stay here as long as you can.' He came back for one day, and he wanted to transfer in again. That kind of went a long way."

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Leonard also reiterated that linemate Will Smith's decision to leave and go pro didn't influence his choice in the slightest.

"I'm myself. He's him. You want the best for him, and it's not about individuals. It's about the team," Leonard said. "And I want to be a part of the team that wins Boston College another national championship. Not really ready to leave yet."

That said, Leonard wants to continue to fine-tune different aspects of his game and will see where he's at when his sophomore season comes to an end. For now, though, he'll continue to develop his game and keep an eye on the Capitals, while also keeping in touch with the likes of Tom Wilson, Charlie Lindgren and more for advice.

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"You want to be a pro in college hockey before you actually turn pro. Probably in spurts this year, I was definitely showing profession, but I want to be over-ready so you don't regret the decision," Leonard reiterated. "It's a bigger, faster league, got to have your head up the whole time, be ready for what's going to come after you and ultimately making the best decisions with the puck."