Washington Capitals Re-Sign Forward Ryan Leonard to $84 Million Contract

The deed is done and right at the buzzer. Capitals succeed in locking up their young sensation. The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Ryan Leonard to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension. Leonard’s contract will carry an average annual value of $10.5 million. The 21 year old had 20G-25A-45P in 75GP last season. Today was the last day for teams to sign players to an 8-year extension.

NHL teams had until Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. to sign players before the new CBA rules take effect. That includes the elimination of eight-year contracts, but also a reduced ability to front-load the payment structure. Which makes it a meaningful deadline to get business done.

Hockey insider and NHL Senior Columnist for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun; commented on the mad dash by franchises to make deals happen before the deadline. LeBrun states,

“The Washington Capitals have signed Ryan Leonard to an 8-year, $84 million contract extension. Yet another 8-year max deal done before expiry of old CBA tonight. What’s so interesting is that it’s the league that pushed to curb max deals back down a year in new CBA but it’s the teams more than the players pushing to get 8-year deals done before tonight. Rising cap/salaries effect.”

Nonetheless, Washington took care of their business. The Capitals’ 2023 1st-round pick gets a massive payday after putting up 45 points in 75 games in his first full NHL season. Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Patrick made the announcement regarding Leonard early Tuesday morning. GM Chris Patrick mentioned,

“We are extremely excited to sign Ryan to a long-term contract with our club. Ryan is a young and talented player who is still years away from entering his prime, and we believe he has tremendous potential to continue growing into an important player for our organization. While reaching his full potential will take time, we have been impressed with his work ethic and the way he continues to develop his game. We are confident in Ryan’s ability to continue improving as a hockey player, and we believe this agreement provides him with the opportunity to grow and develop within our organization while giving us the ability to keep a talented young player in our lineup for years to come.”

Washington Capitals Re-Sign Forward Ryan Leonard to $84 Million Contract

Leonard, who was selected by the Capitals with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut on April 1, 2025. Ryan also became the eighth rookie in franchise history to record a 20-goal season and the first since Alex Ovechkin in 2005-06 (52g). Leonard’s 45 points last season were also the most by a Capitals rookie since Nicklas Backstrom in 2007-08 (69p).

Furthermore, the 6’1”, 205-pound forward ranked third among NHL rookies in power-play points (14) and five-on-five goals (16) and fifth in goals, assists and points. In addition, Leonard’s 2.13 points per 60 at five-on-five ranked third among first-year players (min. 50 GP), and he was one of just two rookies and seven skaters overall to score 20 goals while averaging less than 15:00 of ice time per game.

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