Ryan Leonard showed enough skill, maturity and poise to help the United States win consecutive gold medals for the first time at the IIHF World Junior Championship (2024, '25). He was named most valuable player of the tournament and a finalist for the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award. He was the first NCAA player with back-to-back 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson for BC from 2009-11 and the first Boston College skater since Johnny Gaudreau in 2014 to be named Hockey East Player of the Year.

Leonard, selected by the Washington Capitals with the No. 8 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, earned the entry-level contract he signed March 31, 2025, a three-year deal with an average annual value of $950,000. His 10 points (five goals, five assists) in seven games at the 2025 WJC were tied for second among all players and he ended his NCAA career with 109 points (61 goals, 48 assists) in 78 games.

Leonard had two goals and two assists in a 7-1 win at the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 3, 2025, to become the first Capitals rookie with a four-point game since Nicklas Backstrom on March 3, 2008. He's also the first rookie to do so this season; one did it in 2024-25, Sharks forward Will Smith on April 9.

During his freshman season, Leonard had 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists) in 41 games, led Boston College in plus-minus (plus-35) and ranked second in goals (29) and third in points (58) during the regular season. His six points (four goals, two assists) in four NCAA Tournament games helped Boston College reach the national championship game.