Washington locked up two pieces of its young forward group Tuesday, signing Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif to matching eight-year extensions that will take effect next season.
Leonard’s deal carries an $84 million total value and a $10.5 million average annual value. Sourdif’s contract is worth $50.8 million, with a $6.35 million cap hit.
Capitals secure Leonard and Sourdif for eight years
The agreements give the Capitals long-term cost certainty on two forwards who made impacts during their rookie NHL campaigns in 2025-26. Leonard, 21, was playing his first complete season in Washington; Sourdif, 24, was in his first year with the club after arriving from Florida.
Quick facts
- Ryan Leonard: eight years, $84 million, beginning next season.
- Leonard posted 20 goals and 25 assists in 75 games in 2025-26.
- Justin Sourdif: eight years, $50.8 million, beginning next season.
- Sourdif recorded 15 goals and 20 assists across 78 rookie games last season.
- Both players remain under their current contracts for one more season.
Leonard finished with 45 points in 75 games last season and ranked third among NHL rookies in both 5-on-5 goals, with 16, and power-play points, with 14. His 20 goals were one behind the 21 he has scored in 84 career regular-season appearances.
The No. 8 selection in the 2023 NHL Draft has totaled 46 points, including 21 goals and 25 assists, since joining Washington. He also has one assist in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games.
He is set to play out the final year of the three-year entry-level deal he signed March 31, 2025 before the new extension starts.
Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said the organization sees Leonard as a gifted young player whose best years remain ahead. Patrick pointed to Leonard’s work habits and ongoing development, saying Washington believes the winger can become a significant part of its lineup over the long haul.
Sourdif will enter the second and last season of his current two-year, $1.65 million contract, which carries an $825,000 annual value. He signed that agreement with Washington on June 28, 2025.
Washington acquired Sourdif two days earlier from the Florida Panthers, sending a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a sixth-round choice in 2027 the other way. The Panthers had selected him 87th overall in the third round of the 2020 draft.
In 78 games last season, Sourdif produced 35 points on 15 goals and 20 assists. He has 36 points — 16 goals and 20 assists — through 82 NHL regular-season games.
Patrick described Sourdif as a versatile forward who kept progressing and handled important assignments when called upon. The general manager said the Capitals expect him to continue raising his game alongside the club’s veterans and emerging younger players.
SEO Title: Capitals sign Ryan Leonard, Justin Sourdif to eight-year extensions
Meta Description: Washington signed Ryan Leonard to an eight-year, $84 million extension and Justin Sourdif to an eight-year, $50.8 million deal, both beginning next season.
