Two-thirds of one of college hockey's top lines is heading to the NHL.
Boston College star winger Ryan Leonard signed an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals on Monday and will join the Eastern Conference's top team for their playoff run.
The New York Rangers signed winger Gabe Perreault, Leonard's BC and Team USA linemate, to an entry-level deal and he'll report to New York.
The third linemate, James Hagens, is projected to be one of the top NHL draft picks in June.
Leonard, 20, a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award (top men's Division I college hockey player), and Perreault, 19, became available after the top-seeded Eagles were eliminated on Sunday by defending champion Denver in the second round of NCAA hockey tournament.
Both players were on the U.S. world junior hockey teams that won back-to-back gold medals, plus won the 2023 world under-18 championship.
The Capitals are in Boston on Tuesday to face the Bruins. Leonard will wear No. 9.
The Capitals were relatively quiet at the trade deadline – adding Anthony Beauvillier – because Leonard was a possibility to join the team after his Boston College season was over.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis called Leonard a winner.
"Patience is a virtue and we have all watched Ryan in awe during his time at BC," he posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Shades of when Tom Wilson and John Carlson joined the Caps late in the season and for the playoffs!"
Here's what to know about the signings of Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault:
When was Ryan Leonard drafted?
The Capitals drafted Leonard in the first round (eighth overall) in 2023 after he had played two seasons for the U.S. National Team Development Program in the United States Hockey League.
Ryan Leonard stats
Leonard played two seasons at Boston College, recording 61 goals and 48 assists in 78 games. He led NCAA Division I this season with 30 goals and nine game-winning goals.
He was captain of the most recent world junior team and was named tournament MVP and top forward. He had 10 points in seven games, including two assists in the gold medal game.
Ryan Leonard height, weight
Ryan Leonard is 6-foot and 200 pounds.
When was Gabe Perreault drafted?
Perreault, the son of former NHL forward Yanic Perreault, was a Rangers 2023 first-round pick (23rd overall). He also played for the U.S. development program team.
Gabe Perreault stats
Perreault totaled 108 points (35 goals, 73 assists) in 73 games in his two seasons at Boston College. He had 10 points in seven games at the world juniors.
Gabe Perreault height, weight
Perreault is 5-foot-10 and 179 pounds.
Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault contracts
Both signed the standard three-year entry-level deal. Leonard's deal is worth $950,000 a season, the Capitals said, with the opportunity to earn performance bonuses. Perreault's deal averages $941,667 plus bonuses, per Puckpedia.
Recent Capitals moves
Washington has been busy since January, signing goalies Logan Thompson (six years, $35.1 million) and Charlie Lindgren (three years, $9 million) and defensemen Jakob Chychrun (eight years, $72 million) and Dylan McIlrath (two years, $1.6 million) to contract extensions.
This story has been updated with new information.
