Ryan Leonard Signs 8-Year, $84 Million Deal with Washington Capitals

Ryan Leonard has signed an eight-year, $84 million contract with the Washington Capitals. The 21-year-old will begin the deal next season, with an average annual value of $10.5 million.

According to the NHL, the contract takes effect for the coming season and the organization underlined its belief in Leonard’s potential. In the 2025–26 season, his first full one in the NHL, he recorded 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games and ranked third among the league’s rookies with 14 power-play points and 16 goals at 5-on-5.

Leonard is entering the final year of the three-year entry-level contract he signed on March 31, 2025. He was selected in the first round as the 8th overall pick by the Capitals in the 2023 draft, and so far has 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 84 regular-season games, plus one assist in eight Stanley Cup playoff games.

According to the NHL, the club believes this deal gives Leonard room to develop further while ensuring the team keeps a young talent for years to come.