Sources confirm Boston College studs Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault bolt for pro contracts, bypassing more college tape. Scouts have buzzed about these kids since juniors, with NHL GMs circling like sharks at the last draft combine. Their jump accelerates the pipeline, forcing teams to rethink NCAA development in a cap-crunch era.

Montreal brass heaps praise on Juraj Slafkovsky, declaring zero limits on the young Slovak's upside amid a breakout stretch. Locker room whispers peg him as the Habs' next cornerstone, blending size, skill, and that rare mean streak. With rebuild stakes high, his trajectory shapes GM Kent Hughes' offseason blueprint.

The Grand Rapids Griffins hold their breath as forward Leonard nears a return from injury far ahead of schedule, a boost that whispers through Detroit's prospect pipeline. Front-office types in the Motor City know how these timelines shift with smart rehab and a dash of luck, especially for a kid who's been lighting up the AHL. Red Wings brass watches closely because Leonard's speed and hands could force their hand on recall decisions before the post-Olympic rush hits.

Ryan Leonard credits his seamless jump to the NHL with the big-brother guidance from enforcer Brandon Duhaime, who has protected him on the ice and off with home-cooked meals and Costco runs that are already Caps lore. The rookie, fresh off a shoulder injury from that brutal Trouba hit, ranks high among first-year scorers while earning trust from coach Spencer Carbery in tough matchups.