BUFFALO | If you ask a CEO specifically about a hope, he rarely expresses himself like an open book. When asked about American forward Ryan Leonard, Kent Hughes had to smile and pull out the censer to compare him to the Tkachuk brothers.
• Also read: There are too many red flags for Matvei Michkov with the Canadian
• Also read: Radek Bonk’s son would love to play in front of Montreal’s “crazy fans”.
Many Canadiens supporters are still hanging on to the 2018 draft, when their team picked Jesperi Kotkaniemi as their third pick over Brady Tkachuk, who was picked shortly thereafter. Two years earlier, the Flames had made Matthew Tkachuk sixth overall, three places ahead of the Canadian.
Since then, it seems the brothers’ dour style and attacking prowess fueled the nightmares of many Montreal fans who wished the two nuisances could join their ranks.
Photo Stephane Cadorette
American Development Program candidate Ryan Leonard met at the NHL’s Combine in Buffalo in June 2023.
Could this fantasy come true through Ryan Leonard? The power forward from the US Under-18 development program could become an enticing loner with 51 goals in 57 games last season.
At his briefing at Prospect Camp in Buffalo, Hughes was asked about his thoughts on Leonard. Without even being asked for a comparison, his eyes sparkled and he stepped forward himself.
“You just have to see him play and his strength comes through immediately. He’s a guy who plays in the style of Matthew Tkachuk or Brady Tkachuk. He’s really physically aggressive. “He plays very intensely and makes an effort for every presence,” he praised.
Familiar with the organization
Earlier, amidst the seething hopes, agents, and decision-makers that swarmed the Buffalo hotel corridors, the Journal had a chance to chat with Leonard, a young man of a relaxed disposition who exudes great confidence. He had just met the Canadian the day before.
“There was a good atmosphere during this interview,” he said. I think we had a good connection to each other. I already knew Kent a little, so it was pretty easy to get along with him. It was nice.”
In fact, Leonard was not breaking new ground. During his career in small hockey in Massachusetts, he regularly crossed paths with Hughes and was even managed by Martin St-Louis.
“Kent was my advisor before he became general manager. I saw him in the arena and we formed a good bond. I know his son Jack and we have a friendly relationship.
“Martin referred us to summer camps. I was too young to pretend we had chemistry, but I was certainly impressed to be with him. His name speaks for itself and when he’s by your side you know it’s going to be a good day,” smiled the prolific goalscorer.
Photo courtesy of USA Hockey, Rena Laverty
A power attacker
Many will argue that Leonard’s current height of 5’11” and 180 pounds doesn’t indicate he’ll one day be able to compete physically in the NHL like the Tkachuk brothers, for example.
However, two Western Association recruiters consulted recently by the Journal see him as a potential future attacker.
“You can never have enough good scorers. “He has a dog, he hits, he’s a real one,” one of them said, while the other added.
“He’s a goalscorer, but above all a competitor. He’s got skills, but he’s playing hard,” concluded the second.
Leonard, who clearly doesn’t lack confidence and has also been compared to Chris Kreider by some analysts, says he’s flattered to be given the designation.
“There are several players who inspire me and he’s definitely on that list. Any power forwards in the league could also suit my style,” he argued.
Ready for Montréal
Certainly it’s not because Leonard knows Hughes and St-Louis that we have to conclude he’ll find himself in the metropolis. However, should that be the case, the winger would feel ready to jump in the pot.
“The Montreal market speaks for itself. Everyone knows what hockey means there and what this city has to offer. The Canadian is a very good organization. The Bell Center is great. “I hope to play there one day,” concluded the one who “definitely envisions a place in the top 10.”
If I play at the Bell Center one day, it’s a safe bet it will happen. It remains to be seen if it will compete in the blue, white and red uniform.