Watch: Capitals Ryan Leonard leaves Blue Jackets game after scary hit from Adam Fantilli

Modified Apr 12, 2025 19:18 GMT

NHL: Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins - Source: Imagn — Ryan Leonard went for concussion protocol after hit from forward Adam Fantilli (image credit: IMAGN)

Ryan Leonard had a tough moment during the Washington Capitals' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. Leonard went for a loose puck late in the first period, and Jackets forward Adam Fantilli hit him hard between the circles. Leonard fell to the ice and the back of his head hit the surface. Fantilli then scored seconds later to make it 3-0 for Columbus.

"Adam Fantilli crushes Ryan Leonard at one end and finishes it off with a goal at the other!" BarDown tweeted.

Expand Tweet

Leonard got up slowly and went to the locker room. Tom Wilson argued the hit from the bench and was given a two-minute minor and a 10-minute misconduct. The officials said Fantilli’s hit was clean and legal. Leonard returned in the second period.

"Ryan Leonard is back on the bench as the second period gets ready to start," Washington Post's Bailey Johnson tweeted.

Expand Tweet

Leonard reportedly went through concussion protocol. He was cleared to play and came back on the ice. Later in the second period, the game was heated. Five fights broke out with eight minutes left, with the score at 6-0. Leonard fought Sean Kuraly for his first NHL fight and received some heavy blows.

Expand Tweet

Ryan Leonard joined the Caps after signing entry-level contract

Ryan Leonard was Washington’s first-round pick in 2023. In March, he joined the Capitals after signing his three-year entry-level contract, which carries an AAV of $950,000.

Following his first morning skate on April 1 at TD Garden, Leonard shared the news about his contract.

"I read it in the locker room, all the guys were in there," Leonard said, via NHL.com. "It was probably 5, 10 minutes before I actually signed. They're like, 'What? I don't know if you should respond to that.' I was like, 'I kind of have to.' But it was pretty cool."

Leonard scored his first NHL goal on April 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks. It was an empty net goal at 18:24 in the third period. He joined the Capitals after finishing his college season, where was a top player at Boston College with 30 goals and 19 assists in 37 games this year.

That game was also special as Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky’s record after scoring his 894th goal.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez