BUFFALO | In case you ask a CEO particularly a couple of hope, he hardly ever expresses himself like an open e-book. When requested about American ahead Ryan Leonard, Kent Hughes needed to smile and pull out the censer to check him to the Tkachuk brothers.
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Many Canadiens supporters are nonetheless hanging on to the 2018 draft, when their group picked Jesperi Kotkaniemi as their third choose over Brady Tkachuk, who was picked shortly thereafter. Two years earlier, the Flames had made Matthew Tkachuk sixth total, three locations forward of the Canadian.
Since then, it appears the brothers’ dour model and attacking prowess fueled the nightmares of many Montreal followers who wished the 2 nuisances may be a part of their ranks.
Picture Stephane Cadorette
American Growth Program candidate Ryan Leonard met on the NHL’s Mix in Buffalo in June 2023.
May this fantasy come true by means of Ryan Leonard? The facility ahead from the US Underneath-18 improvement program may turn into an attractive loner with 51 objectives in 57 video games final season.
At his briefing at Prospect Camp in Buffalo, Hughes was requested about his ideas on Leonard. With out even being requested for a comparability, his eyes sparkled and he stepped ahead himself.
“You simply need to see him play and his energy comes by means of instantly. He’s a man who performs within the model of Matthew Tkachuk or Brady Tkachuk. He’s actually bodily aggressive. “He performs very intensely and makes an effort for each presence,” he praised.
Aware of the group
Earlier, amidst the seething hopes, brokers, and decision-makers that swarmed the Buffalo lodge corridors, the Journal had an opportunity to speak with Leonard, a younger man of a relaxed disposition who exudes nice confidence. He had simply met the Canadian the day earlier than.
“There was a great environment throughout this interview,” he mentioned. I feel we had a great connection to one another. I already knew Kent just a little, so it was fairly straightforward to get together with him. It was good.”
The truth is, Leonard was not breaking new floor. Throughout his profession in small hockey in Massachusetts, he recurrently crossed paths with Hughes and was even managed by Martin St-Louis.
“Kent was my advisor earlier than he turned basic supervisor. I noticed him within the area and we fashioned a great bond. I do know his son Jack and now we have a pleasant relationship.
“Martin referred us to summer season camps. I used to be too younger to fake we had chemistry, however I used to be actually impressed to be with him. His title speaks for itself and when he’s by your facet you already know it’s going to be a great day,” smiled the prolific goalscorer.
Picture courtesy of USA Hockey, Rena Laverty
An influence attacker
Many will argue that Leonard’s present peak of 5’11” and 180 kilos doesn’t point out he’ll at some point have the ability to compete bodily within the NHL just like the Tkachuk brothers, for instance.
Nonetheless, two Western Affiliation recruiters consulted lately by the Journal see him as a possible future attacker.
“You may by no means have sufficient good scorers. “He has a canine, he hits, he’s an actual one,” considered one of them mentioned, whereas the opposite added.
“He’s a goalscorer, however above all a competitor. He’s bought expertise, however he’s taking part in exhausting,” concluded the second.
Leonard, who clearly doesn’t lack confidence and has additionally been in comparison with Chris Kreider by some analysts, says he’s flattered to be given the designation.
“There are a number of gamers who encourage me and he’s undoubtedly on that checklist. Any energy forwards within the league may additionally swimsuit my model,” he argued.
Prepared for Montréal
Definitely it’s not as a result of Leonard is aware of Hughes and St-Louis that now we have to conclude he’ll discover himself within the metropolis. Nonetheless, ought to that be the case, the winger would really feel prepared to leap within the pot.
“The Montreal market speaks for itself. Everybody is aware of what hockey means there and what this metropolis has to supply. The Canadian is an excellent group. The Bell Heart is nice. “I hope to play there at some point,” concluded the one who “undoubtedly envisions a spot within the high 10.”
If I play on the Bell Heart at some point, it’s a protected wager it’ll occur. It stays to be seen if it’ll compete within the blue, white and purple uniform.