Leonord signs 8-year, $84 million contract Capitals

Ryan Leonard signed an eight-year, $84 million contract with the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. It begins next season and has an average annual value of $10.5 million.

The 21-year-old forward had 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games with the Capitals in 2025-26, his first full season in the NHL. He ranked third among League rookies with 14 power-play points and goals scored 5-on-5 (16).

Leonard is entering the last season of the three-year, entry-level contract he signed March 31, 2025.

“We are extremely excited to sign Ryan to a long-term contract with our club,” Washington general manager Chris Patrick said. “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.”

A first-round pick (No. 8) by the Capitals at the 2023 NHL Draft, Leonard has 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 84 regular-season games and one assist in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games.