F Ryan Leonard - Boston College, NCAA (2023, 8th, WSH)

[The Crypto Guy]

Hes 100% ready. Awesome to see him run it back in the WJC though. He’s going to dominate.

we’ll clearly he didn’t think he was “100% Ready”. Just because he can hit doesnt make him NHL ready. He still has to work on a few things to become a complete player.

 

[WarriorofTime]

There is not much benefit to signing now versus end of college season next year.

If he's staying, I'd imagine the whole freshman line is. Adding Hagens, they might be even better next year, which is crazy.

I don’t think Perrault was ever much of a threat to go this year, and Smith’s situation is different enough that he should make his own decision.

Better/worse - what’s the status of Gauthier’s linemates and who would they be replaced with if they are gone? What’s the status of the defensemen?

 

[TLEH]

we’ll clearly he didn’t think he was “100% Ready”. Just because he can hit doesnt make him NHL ready. He still has to work on a few things to become a complete player.

Only person who mentioned hitting is you.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Only person who mentioned hitting is you.

Sure did.

 

[BKarchitect]

Awesome news for BC.

Leonard can absolutely be ready from a physical and talent standpoint and be “better” or “more ready” than lots of guys who are going to be signed and play in the NHL/AHL, and still benefit from another year on a ridiculous NCAA squad because he feels like he can still grow and also chase goals in that situation.

Saying “coming back proves he isn’t ready” isn’t really a valid argument. It proves he can still grow from another year on this BC squad and definitely shows he has unfinished business from an accomplishment standpoint.

 

[William H Bonney]

Just because someone is ready to play in the NHL doesn't mean they'll choose to do so. Leonard is ready but he won't be hurt by another college season and it'll make his jump after next season even smoother.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

2 years isn't beneath anybody.

Go defend that gold.

 

[TLEH]

Sure did.

Considering your comments during BC games about Perreault, I’m not going to take anything seriously either.

 

[WarriorofTime]

2 years isn't beneath anybody.

Not true. Celebrini for instance. It’s very rare though.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Considering your comments during BC games about Perreault, I’m not going to take anything seriously either.

Cool story. Fact is you were wrong thinking he was “100% ready” considering he doesn’t think he is. Have a great day.

 

[majormajor]

Leonard is 100% NHL ready, he could be playing in the NHL playoffs next week.

And he's already a fully well-rounded do-it-all player.

What spending another year for BC will let him do though is take his offensive game to the next level. He should be even more dominant, which is great for his development.

 

[GAGLine]

Leonard going back suggests that both Smith and Perreault will as well. It's not guaranteed, but Perreault was expected to go back anyway, and it seems likely that Smith would stick around for another year with them.

I know everyone wants to see these players apart, but I'm looking forward to seeing them together again next season.

 

[JiggsNY]

"NHL ready" is a range. You can be NHL ready at 19 and be decent/ good. Or you can be NHL readier at 20 and be good/ great. More preparation isn't a bad thing.

 

[hohosaregood]

Leonard is 100% NHL ready, he could be playing in the NHL playoffs next week.

And he's already a fully well-rounded do-it-all player.

What spending another year for BC will let him do though is take his offensive game to the next level. He should be even more dominant, which is great for his development.

What I'd like to see from him is see if he can slow down the game. He's like an all gas all the time kinda guy and he's always fighting through contact. I want to see him to add more of a soft space finesse to his game. His game works as is but IDK how much of a beating he'll be able to keep taking at the next level.