Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[Holtbyisms]

I agree with you on the top six, but Leonard is a way better prospect than Mcgroarty is. He skates much better, and has out produced him pretty substantially when they were at similar levels. He also plays a much more complete game than Mcgroarty. I think they try him on the 3rd line if/when he turns pro at the end of the year, and may or may not be a healthy scratch in the playoffs. I worry about him getting blown up at this level, because it happens too much in college. So I wouldn't be disappointed if he spent time in the AHL, I just think the team is gonna give him a lot of rope before it sends him down. Part of Mcgroarty's problem in Pitt, is their head coach treats young guys like Laviolette did.

I don't disagree and I think Leonard is a superior prospect to RM but it's also rare for a guy, unless they're physically there, to jump right in from the NCAA level and contribute. I think Knies is a great example of what COULD happen but Knies is about 6'3" 230lbs. Leonard is barely 6' and under 200 lbs. The way Leonard plays the game might not translate immediately against bigger and stronger players. There's a few guys on every AHL team who have a "pro shot" that spend their entire careers in the AHL. Some time in the AHL to adjust to playing the pro men's game will probably do Leonard good.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I think we all agree there are valuable things to be learned in the AHL…but that’s not his path. I hope he’s good enough he never sniffs Hershey.

He’s got plenty of size for the NHL today. Probably needs to work on self-awareness at the next level so he doesn’t get blown up. Everything else looks elite to me.