Where Ryan Leonard Stands in the 2023 NHL Draft

Ryan Leonard is going to be a top-10 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. You won’t find many pundits that say otherwise. The reason why he will be a top pick isn’t as simple as slotting him in as a “scorer” or potential power forward if he grows more. This is why I don’t give comparables for players because there are players that come along that have a lot of different traits, and Leonard is one of them.

When I first met Leonard, it was after seeing him live for the first time. He was a physical specimen. At 5’11”, 190 pounds or thereabouts, he was ripped. The only other player that hit me that way was Jack Eichel.

Leonard was setting himself up for success, I knew that instantly.

Leonard wants to be a first-rounder. He told me that, and he plays like that. It doesn’t matter how many points he had. Honestly, that’s not that important, especially when he plays on one of the best lines in junior hockey. As far as what he does on that line with Gabe Perreault and Will Smith. I’ll let Smith explain.

“I honestly think it’s because we’re so close off the ice,” said linemate, Will Smith. “We are all going to BC together, that helps. When we get out there, we all have our little things that all contribute to the line.”

Leonard is a player who wants to be impactful on every shift. He takes corner battles personally. The fact that he wins those battles is big. The fact that he wants to get to the net is important.

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His core is exceptional as far as strength goes. That’s his foundation. He plays left or right wing. Versatility is a plus, and he has very good speed because of his two-step quickness.

Leonard can score on his wrist shot. He will also go to the dirty areas to score. He’s an old-school player who believes if you do that, you will be rewarded. He also knows there are players who won’t do that. That’s his hockey I.Q. showing right there. Leonard knows where the puck is going.

Can Leonard shield the puck against future NHLers? Can he hold them off with one hand like he does now to get to the net? These are questions that teams will have to answer to make their projections on this exciting player.

Teams will all be impressed with his interviews too. That’s another factor with him. In the end, I think he goes between 6-10. Now, if a team decides they must have him, no matter the slot, that could happen. Leonard will answer a lot of questions between now and the draft.