Leonard was sitting with his Boston College teammates Monday when he received a text with a dinner invitation from Alex Ovechkin. Was it real?

Will Smith, Leonard’s center and former National Team Development Program linemate, chose to leave BC after his freshman season and sign with the San Jose Sharks. Leonard did not follow. He wanted one more go with the Eagles alongside fellow sophomores Drew Fortescue, Jacob Fowler and Gabe Perreault, all NHL picks. Leonard did not regret it.

Amherst native and Boston College star forward Ryan Leonard is set to make his NHL debut with the Capitals on Tuesday against the Bruins.