The National Hockey League kicked off the 2025-26 regular season on Oct. 7. A number of former Boston College men’s hockey players are set to appear for their respective NHL or AHL teams. Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault, and Jacob Fowler are all set to begin their first full season of professional hockey.
Leonard enters the 2025-26 NHL season after having signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals last spring. Leonard initially deferred signing his first professional contract to pursue his sophomore season at Boston College. The start of his NHL career was promising, playing nine regular-season games. Leonard’s first professional goal earned praise from Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest hockey players ever. Furthermore, he scored two goals in the NHL preseason. Leonard is expected to be a key piece of the Capitals’ forward group.
Perreault signed his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers last March after completing his sophomore season for the Eagles. He played five regular-season games at the end of last year. During the NHL preseason, he tallied two goals and two assists. Despite his preseason performance, Perreault was assigned to play for the Rangers’ AHL team, the Hartford Wolf Pack. While his move to the AHL may be disappointing for fans, it allows the coaching staff to continue his long-term development.
Fowler signed his entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens last spring. He will also be starting his first full professional season in the AHL. However, Fowler is widely considered to be the next great goaltender for the Canadiens. He played three games for the Laval Rocket, including his first professional shutout win last season. Like Perreault, playing in the AHL will allow him to continue his development in the long term.
Other recent BC hockey alumni who will be playing in the NHL this season include Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith. Gauthier will be starting his second full professional season with the Anaheim Ducks. During the 2024-25 season, he scored 20 goals and earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Smith will also be starting his second season in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks. Smith is part of an exciting class of young players for the Sharks. He tallied 18 goals and 27 assists. Similar to Gauthier, Smith also earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
Other recent BC hockey alumni playing professionally include Eamon Powell of the Charlotte Checkers and Aidan Hreschuk of the Texas Stars. While losing these talented players is a loss for the Eagles, it will be exciting to watch this young group continue their professional careers.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.