From college heartbreak to the NHL spotlight? Oh yeah, Ryan Leonard’s journey is taking a wild turn! Only a few days ago, the title dreams of the Boston College were shattered—once again—by Denver and their human brick wall, Matt Davis. BC fought tooth and nail, dominating the shot count and pouring on the pressure, but Davis? Unshakable. His 35 saves made the Eagles’ high-flying offense seem like a one-goal team, and the BC fans could only watch the clock run out. The Pioneers made it to the Frozen Four yet another time, while the Eagles were left to dwell on yet another disappointment.

It was a disappointing finish to what had been an excellent season for Ryan Leonard with his line mates, Gabe Perreault and James Hagens. But while the NCAA chapter was closed, another door was opened at the same time. Because Leonard isn’t dwelling on what could’ve been—he’s stepping straight into what’s next. And now, as his teammates move on from the heartbreak, they’re cheering him on from the stands as he makes his NHL debut!

Ryan Leonard makes his big debut!

Sportsnet took to X on April 1 to drop a heartwarming clip straight from the Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins game, and let’s just say—it was a full-circle moment for Ryan Leonard. The young star was living his NHL dream, but the best part? His Boston College brothers were right there in the stands, clapping, cheering, and even banging on the glass like proud parents at a peewee game. Sportsnet perfectly captured the moment, captioning, “Ryan Leonard’s friends and teammates are in the building for his NHL debut.”

But the support didn’t just start when the puck dropped. Even before Ryan Leonard hit the ice, his college squad was locked in, watching him warm up. They filmed every moment leading up to his big debut, because this wasn’t just any game—it was their teammate’s big moment. B/R Open Ice captured the pre-game energy and posted, “Ryan Leonard’s BC teammates watching him warm up before his NHL debut.” From the NCAA elimination to the NHL limelight, Leonard’s story is just beginning, and his greatest supporters? They’ve been there from the very beginning.

What’s more? Leonard is not the only teammate that BC stars will get to cheer for. His linemate, Gabe Perreault, also made his big NHL move on Monday, thanks to the New York Rangers picking him No. 23 in the 2023 draft. In fact, the word is that the World Under-18 Championship winner could make his debut when the Rangers take on the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. It’s a three and a half hour drive from TD Garden, where Leonard is making his debut. But how is that going?

The Bruins and Capitals are at the moment tied 2-2 in the third period of the game that is being played at the TD Garden. And the best part? Leonard himself did not shy away from expressing his excitement, while his new Capitals teammates had plenty to say about his debut even before he hit the ice!

Leonard and his Capitals’ teammates make their feelings known!

Ryan Leonard’s debut at TD Garden? Talk about a full circle! Growing up just down the road in Amherst, MA, Leonard’s had this iconic rink in his life forever. From watching games as a child to playing games in the same rink at Boston College, it has been a part of his life. But tonight, oh tonight, it’s the biggest moment yet. It was a whole new chapter in the making as he stepped onto the ice to play for the Washington Capitals in the NHL. “This is the only debut I’ll ever have, but it’s pretty cool,” Leonard said. “It’s something you dream about coming true. It’s just crazy that this is actually happening this close to school and this close to home.”

Leonard led the NCAA by scoring 30 goals in 37 games for his BC team in the Hockey East tournament—numbers that won him the Hockey East Player of the Year. But now? It is time to move on and grow to the next level. “Going out there for a morning skate and just thinking about being here at BC… Now, I have to turn the page to being a pro. It’s pretty weird to think about, but it’s pretty cool,” Leonard said. And the hype is real. Drafted 8th overall by the Capitals in 2023, the 20-year-old’s already got the attention of fans and teammates alike.

But do not expect him to bear the burden of the world on his young shoulders yet. “There’s not a lot of expectations other than go out there and compete your b*tt off,” said head coach Spencer Carberry. “He’s shown a lot over the last couple of years. He’s a great player… so go use the individual attributes that he has and go have fun.” Even the legends were feeling the buzz since he joined the team just days after signing the entry-level contract. “It’s an exciting moment for all of us,” Alexander Ovechkin said, wishing Leonard to get to the ice with the other big guys.

“He’s a tremendous player. There are nine games left before the playoffs, and he’s going to see what it’s like to play in the NHL.” But it’s not all about high expectations. The Caps are aware of what they have in Leonard, but they are not in a hurry to force him into action. “The seasons that he’s had at BC… and what he’s put on display in college and on the world stage, he’s earned all of the accolades,” Carberry said. “He’s going to be a great player in this league for a long, long time.” And just like that, the NHL’s about to get one more rising star.