Less than two years after cracking into the NHL, Amherst’s own Ryan Leonard is set to become one of the highest-paid players in the game.
The Washington Capitals announced on Tuesday that Leonard, who is 21-years-old, signed an eight-year, $84 million contract extension with an average annual value of $10.5 million per season.
Leonard posted 20 goals and 45 points in his first full season with the Capitals in 2025-26. The 6-foot-1 forward spent the previous two seasons at Boston College, where he netted 61 goals in 78 career games with the Eagles.
“We are extremely excited to sign Ryan to a long-term contract with our club,” Capitals Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Patrick said in a media release. “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.”
Leonard will play out the 2026-27 season on his rookie contract, before his extension kicks in during the 2027-28 season. Leonard will then match Alex Tuch as the highest-paid players on the Capitals with a $10.5 AAV.
Only 23 players currently make more per than $10.5 million per season in the NHL.
Leonard starred at Pope Francis in Springfield from 2019-2021.
