Hughes compared a prospect targeted by the Canadiens to one of the best forwards in the NHL

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MarcO
June 9, 2023 (1:11)

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The best prospects for the draft are currently at the Combine in Buffalo to undergo various physical tests and meet with the NHL's 32 general managers. Kent Hughes took the opportunity to hold a press conference to answer various journalists' questions.

As we mentioned before, many rumors have linked Ryan Leonard to the Montreal organization in recent weeks and the Canadiens' general manager did not shy away from making a very eloquent comparison in this regard. Indeed, Kent Hughes compared the American forward's playing style to that of the Tkachuk brothers.

"You just have to see him play and his strengths come out right away. He's a guy who plays in the style of Matthew Tkachuk or Brady Tkachuk. He's really aggressive physically. He plays very intensely and he gives his effort at every shift." - Kent Hughes

Ryan Leonard shined alongside Will Smith and Gabriel Perreault in the American development program this season. Indeed, the 18-year-old accumulated 62 goals and 52 assists in just 74 games. He also performed very well at the U18 World Championship where he collected 17 points (including 8 goals) in 7 games to help the United States win the gold medal.

However, many experts question whether the forward will be able to achieve as much success in the NHL. Personally, we believe that Ryan Leonard may not be able to achieve such significant offensive production, but his style of play will certainly make him an important player in the NHL.

Despite only being 5 feet 11 inches tall, Ryan Leonard is the perfect prototype of a power forward. He loves to annoy the opponent, who is able to deliver smashing hits, and he has a simply devastating shot. Additionally, the forward never hesitates to go into traffic and is often in front of the opposing goalie, which allowed him to score several goals this season. Among 373 players in the USHL, Leonard finished first in the number of shots in the slot with an average of 3.3 shots per game.

The main interested party also mentioned that he would greatly like to be drafted by the Canadiens, with whom he already shares a relationship with general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St-Louis, who greatly helped him when he was playing minor hockey in Massachusetts.

"The Montreal market speaks for itself. Everyone knows what hockey means there and what that city has to offer. The Canadiens are a very good organization. The Bell Centre is awesome. I hope I can play there one day." - Ryan Leonard

Will Kent Hughes set his sights on the American forward on June 28th? We'll have to wait a few more weeks to get a definitive answer.

We strongly recommend that you read the excellent article by Maxime Desroches to learn more about Ryan Leonard:

Source: TVA Sports