BOSTON -- Ryan Leonard was in the Boston College locker room, moments from signing with the Washington Capitals, when a text message popped up on his phone. It was Alex Ovechkin.

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.

Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard wasn’t born yet when Alex Ovechkin was drafted in 2004. He was only eight months old when the Russian scored his first two goals in his NHL debut in 2005.

Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer continues, and a just-signed college star could join the lineup as the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals begin a road back-to-back when they visit the Bruins on Tuesday.

Ovi is days away from breaking the NHL scoring record while Leonard, a Massachusetts-born, BC star from Pope Francis Prep in Springfield, is set to make his NHL debut in front of his hometown fans, family and friends on Tuesday night. His BC Eagles were eliminated from the NCAA tourney over the weekend.

Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals captain, was celebrating with new recruit Ryan Leonard. Leonard has signed a three-year deal worth $950,000 ann

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal and needs four to pass Wayne Gretzky's record. Highlights from win vs. Bruins.

Alex Ovechkin moved four goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record after scoring the 891st of his career in the Washington Capitals game against the Bruins in Boston on Tuesday night.