F Ryan Leonard - Boston College, NCAA (2023, 8th, WSH)

[The Devilish Buffoon]

The question on being a driver is his size. He’s not disadvantaged in the WJC or College being smaller. In the NHL? I dunno. He’s gotta keep getting stronger to play the impact game he tries

Is Leonard "smaller"? 6 foot, over 200lbs.... Maybe for the game he plays, sure, he isn't built like Brady Tkachuk or Marcus Foligno, but he isn't as physical as them either. Similar build to guys like Trocheck, Vatrano, Bennett, etc who all play big, physical minutes

 

[RedHawkDown]

Man this kid is so good. I like danielson but bummed we couldnt get leonard

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think the comps to Oshie are that they both are pests/grinders without being big or dirty. They also are obviously both American, and do have a tendency to fall down a lot and get lit up by a hit fairly frequently.

In terms of offensive style though, I think he's much closer to Konecny or Garland, or even a Hagel or B Tkachuk than Oshie.

I think the best comparison is Parise.

I disagree with this, even if he's not been scoring as many points to me he's been the clear driver of both the Smith and Hagens versions of the BC line and the driver of that same line at the WJC.

I think when people say the word driver the macro is who is the player that most impacts being a positive line offensively and defensively. Who is the player that is the player that is most dictating the analytics of the line?

As for the micro, typically, it’s the center. Typically, that’s a player who is a great puck handler and passer and has great hockey sense.

That’s why I’ve said in the past that Smith was the line driver from the initial line. It’s not to say Leonard and Perreault leached off of him, but Smith fit the prototype of a driver more than the other two.

Now with Hagens, it feels like the line has evolved a little bit. Hagens will likely be the biggest driver eventually. He has all the makings of a true driver in the NHL, but he’s also a year and a half younger than the other two and adjusting to levels the other two have been comfortable playing at already. That’s why I’d say this year there’s no one driver and they all have taken turns this year at it.

 

[qc14]

I think the best comparison is Parise.


I think when people say the word driver the macro is who is the player that most impacts being a positive line offensively and defensively. Who is the player that is the player that is most dictating the analytics of the line?

As for the micro, typically, it’s the center. Typically, that’s a player who is a great puck handler and passer and has great hockey sense.

That’s why I’ve said in the past that Smith was the line driver from the initial line. It’s not to say Leonard and Perreault leached off of him, but Smith fit the prototype of a driver more than the other two.

Now with Hagens, it feels like the line has evolved a little bit. Hagens will likely be the biggest driver eventually. He has all the makings of a true driver in the NHL, but he’s also a year and a half younger than the other two and adjusting to levels the other two have been comfortable playing at already. That’s why I’d say this year there’s no one driver and they all have taken turns this year at it.

Parise is definitely a great comp as well. I agree with you on the "driver" definition but I guess I would disagree in that I think he did the vast majority of the work on that line last year, especially defensively and retrieving pucks.

That to me is honestly where the comparison between Leonard and Wilson makes the most sense -- Perrault and Smith/Hagens are no doubt light years ahead of late-career Ovi and Kuzy in terms of the little things but for years Wilson was the driver of that line by just doing every single bit of dirty work in all areas of the ice.

I do think it will be interesting in the NHL though whether Leonard will be best suited to that role or something a little different.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Fantastic player, seriously skilled and can drive the play on his own

Unfortunately dives more than anyone I’ve ever watched play hockey as well

 

[Chimaera]

Is Leonard "smaller"? 6 foot, over 200lbs.... Maybe for the game he plays, sure, he isn't built like Brady Tkachuk or Marcus Foligno, but he isn't as physical as them either. Similar build to guys like Trocheck, Vatrano, Bennett, etc who all play big, physical minutes

Is he 6ft now? I know it’s an inch here or there. But he plays a game where he’s taking punishment

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Is he 6ft now? I know it’s an inch here or there. But he plays a game where he’s taking punishment

Measured at 5’11 3/4 at the draft combine in June 2023.

2023 NHL Combine Heights & Weights - The Hockey Writers Latest News, Analysis & More

The 2023 NHL Combine has come and gone. Here is the list of heights and weights for prospects that took part in the testing on Saturday.

thehockeywriters.com

 

[57special]

I don't see the Parise comparison, at all. I see Dylan Holloway, who was a man amongst boys at the college level. Really good speed, strength, and enough skill to be at least a secondary scorer in the NHL. I think it will really help Leonard that he wasn't rushed into the pros, like Holloway was.

I know this comparison would've seemed ridiculous to some just a few months ago, but Holloway finally seems to be clicking in the NHL. Hopefully Leonard has better luck, but spending that extra year in college can be really valuable, IMO.

 

[DatDude44]

I don't see the Parise comparison, at all. I see Dylan Holloway, who was a man amongst boys at the college level. Really good speed, strength, and enough skill to be at least a secondary scorer in the NHL. I think it will really help Leonard that he wasn't rushed into the pros, like Holloway was.

I know this comparison would've seemed ridiculous to some just a few months ago, but Holloway finally seems to be clicking in the NHL. Hopefully Leonard has better luck, but spending that extra year in college can be really valuable, IMO.

Holloways way bigger and not as dynamic east-west as leonard. But I see what you're saying. Leonards skill level is a little higher end imo.

As a Blues fan tho, lovin holloway haha

 

[Bounces R Way]

Always been a fan. Thought he had a great WJCs and could have had a couple more goals. My kind of player that's in the guts of the game.

Reminds me of Kadri, love a young guy with good net drive.

 

[HuGo Sham]

I wanted Habs to draft Leonard, and predicted as much when the michkov leak went public that habs weren't drafting him.
Didn't happen.
It's hard to predict what he ends up in the pros. He's a shit disturber who plays with an edge and can score. Chilling: bigger version of Brad Marchand maybe?