NHL Draft Prospect Report: Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard is one of the most promising prospects in the 2023 NHL draft. The Amherst, Massachusetts, native has been turning heads with his outstanding performance on the ice. He possesses a wide array of attributes that make him a standout player, and it's no surprise that many NHL teams are interested in drafting him. Let’s discuss some of Leonard's best attributes as a player.

What makes Ryan Leonard such a remarkable player? Here are just a few of his best attributes:

Skating Ability

Ryan Leonard is an exceptional skater, and this is one of his greatest assets. He has great speed and his acceleration is top-notch. This allows him to get to the puck first, and he's often the first one to breakaway on a rush. His agility is also impressive, as he can change direction quickly without losing speed. He's a strong skater with an excellent stride, and he uses his speed to his advantage on both ends of the ice.

"He’s a strong skater who competes well, with a direct style of play. He combines with that a high-skill level, and an ability to make highly skilled plays with the puck at full speed."- Corey Pronman (The Athletic)

Offensive Prowess

Ryan Leonard's offensive skills are hard to ignore. He has an excellent shot, and his accuracy is impressive. He can score from a distance, and he's also able to score from close in. He has great hands and can deke his way around defenders with ease. Leonard also has a strong hockey sense, and he's always in the right position to receive a pass or make a play. His vision is outstanding, and he can anticipate where the puck will be and make the necessary moves.

Puck Handling

Ryan Leonard's puck handling skills are also noteworthy. He's very good at protecting the puck, and he can shield it from defenders while making his way to the net. He has excellent stickhandling abilities, and he's able to weave his way around defenders in tight spaces. His patience with the puck is impressive, and he can hold onto it until he finds the right opportunity to make a play.

"Leonard is an elite passenger who thrives on using his power and skill to drive the lane with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone.”- Tony Ferrari (The Hockey Writers)

Defensive Awareness

Ryan Leonard is not only a great offensive player, but he's also very solid on the defensive end. He's a great backchecker, and he's always there to support his defensemen. He can strip the puck from opponents with ease, and he's not afraid to block shots or throw his body around. He's very responsible on his own end, and he's always looking to create turnovers.

Currently projected to the Washington Capitals, Ryan Leonard is a top prospect for the 2023 NHL draft for a reason. His skating ability, offensive skills, puck handling, and defensive awareness make him a very well-rounded player.

He's got great speed, and he's always in control of the puck. He has the potential to be a game-changer at the NHL level, and whichever team drafts him will be getting an outstanding player.