Brett Leason Bio
Brett Leason (born April 30, 1999) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger who currently plays for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Calgary, Alberta native was selected 56th overall by the Capitals in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft after going undrafted in his first two years of eligibility. Leason has appeared in NHL games with both the Washington Capitals and the Anaheim Ducks throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Brett Leason grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He began playing organized hockey within the Alberta Minor Hockey Association, suiting up for both the Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary Flames minor hockey organizations during his formative years. His early exposure to the game came through these local programs, where he began to showcase the offensive instincts and size that would later define his playing style.
Leason represented Calgary North at the 2015 Alberta Cup, earning a silver medal in the prestigious under-15 tournament. This performance helped raise his profile among junior scouts and positioned him as a promising prospect heading into his teenage years. His success at the Alberta Cup demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations against other top young players from across the province.
Path to Hockey
Leason’s talent caught the attention of Western Hockey League (WHL) scouts, and he was selected in the third round, 50th overall, by the Tri-City Americans in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. This draft selection marked his official entry into the major junior hockey ranks. He initially joined the Americans for the 2016-17 season but found himself unable to secure a regular spot in their lineup, leading to a trade that would prove pivotal to his development.
During the 2017-18 season, the Tri-City Americans traded Leason to the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for a draft pick. This move to a new team provided him with fresh opportunities and increased ice time. With the Raiders, Leason began to blossom as a player, recording 15 goals and 32 points over 54 games while adapting to the physical demands of major junior hockey.
Brett Leason Career
Prince Albert Raiders Breakthrough (2018-2019)
The 2018-19 season marked Leason’s breakthrough campaign in the WHL. He emerged as one of the league’s most dominant forwards, leading the Prince Albert Raiders in scoring with 36 goals and 89 points. His exceptional play helped the Raiders achieve a first-place finish in the WHL standings, establishing them as legitimate championship contenders.
Leason elevated his game to another level during the WHL playoffs. He dominated offensively, leading his team in scoring with 10 goals and 25 points across 22 postseason games. His offensive production was instrumental in guiding the Raiders to the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions. Following their league championship, the Raiders received an invitation to the 2019 Memorial Cup tournament, though they finished in fourth place. For his outstanding regular-season performance, Leason was named to the WHL (East) First All-Star Team.
On the international stage, Leason represented Team Canada at the 2019 World Junior Championship. He contributed three goals and five points across five tournament games, showcasing his ability to compete against the world’s top under-20 players. This international experience further solidified his reputation as a rising prospect in Canadian hockey.
Washington Capitals Era (2019-2022)
After his dominant season with the Prince Albert Raiders, Leason entered the 2019 NHL Draft. Despite going undrafted in his first two years of eligibility, his exceptional 2018-19 campaign caught the attention of NHL teams. The Washington Capitals selected him 56th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, providing him with the opportunity to pursue his professional hockey dreams.
Leason signed his first professional contract on July 11, 2019, agreeing to a three-year, entry-level deal with the Capitals. Rather than rushing his development, the organization assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, where he could continue growing his game against professional competition. He spent his first two professional seasons with the Bears, honing his skills and adjusting to the speed and physicality of the pro game.
Leason earned his first NHL call-up during the 2021-22 season. He made his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals on October 29, 2021, in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. Just three days later, on October 31, 2021, he scored his first NHL goal, beating Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy in a 3-2 loss. Leason appeared in 36 games with the Capitals that season, recording three goals and six points while demonstrating his ability to compete at hockey’s highest level.
During the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Leason made his playoff debut in Game 2 of Washington’s first-round series against the Florida Panthers. He stepped into the lineup as a replacement for the injured Tom Wilson, continuing to prove he belonged in pressure situations. Following the season, Leason signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract extension with the Capitals on June 20, 2022.
Anaheim Ducks Tenure (2022-2025)
Leason began the 2022-23 season with the Capitals but was unable to secure a roster spot out of training camp. On October 9, 2022, Washington placed him on waivers, and the following day, the Anaheim Ducks claimed him off waivers. This move provided Leason with a fresh start and an opportunity for more consistent playing time in the Ducks’ lineup.
He made his Ducks debut on October 17, 2022, in a 6-4 loss to the New York Rangers. Leason found his scoring touch with his new team, recording his first goal as a Duck on November 5 against James Reimer during a 5-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Throughout his three seasons with Anaheim, Leason developed into a reliable two-way forward, contributing both offensively and defensively while gaining valuable experience in a young, developing team.
Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Leason’s tenure with the Ducks came to an end. As a pending restricted free agent, he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the organization, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
Return to Washington Capitals (2025)
Without an NHL contract at the start of the 2025-26 season, Leason accepted an invitation to attend the Minnesota Wild’s training camp on a tryout basis in September 2025. After being released by the Wild, he signed a professional tryout agreement with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, on October 13, 2025. His stint with Charlotte was brief, as he returned to the NHL less than two weeks later.
On October 27, 2025, Leason signed a one-year contract to return to the Washington Capitals, the team that originally drafted him in 2019. This homecoming provided him with an opportunity to re-establish himself in the NHL and compete for a consistent role with the organization that first believed in his potential.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Leason possesses ideal size for an NHL winger. His frame allows him to win battles along the boards, protect the puck in tight spaces, and create scoring opportunities in front of the net. Despite his imposing stature, he plays a skilled, intelligent game rather than relying purely on physicality. As a right-shot forward, he brings versatility to various line combinations and can play effectively on both the power play and penalty kill units.
Leason has developed into a reliable two-way player throughout his professional career. His hockey sense and positioning allow him to contribute in all three zones, while his playmaking abilities enable him to set up teammates for quality scoring chances. His professional experience with both the Capitals and Ducks has helped him refine his game and adapt to different team systems and coaching styles.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Leason’s most significant career achievement remains his dominant 2018-19 WHL season with the Prince Albert Raiders, which concluded with an Ed Chynoweth Cup championship. His performance that year earned him WHL (East) First All-Star Team honors and propelled him into NHL draft consideration after previously going undrafted. On the international stage, his participation with Team Canada at the 2019 World Juniors further demonstrated his ability to compete against elite competition. His NHL debut and first goal against star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy represented meaningful milestones in his professional career.
Brett Leason Career Highlights
Throughout his hockey career, Leason has accumulated notable accomplishments across multiple leagues and competitions. His junior career produced his most prolific offensive numbers, while his professional seasons have been marked by steady development and valuable NHL experience.
Junior Career Highlights
Leason’s time in the WHL represented the peak of his offensive production. His 36-goal, 89-point season with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2018-19 stands as his career benchmark for scoring output. The Raiders’ league championship that year, with Leason leading the team in playoff scoring, remains a defining achievement of his career. His selection to the WHL (East) First All-Star Team recognized his status as one of the league’s top performers. His international participation with Team Canada at the 2019 World Juniors, where he contributed five points in five games, added another dimension to his junior career accomplishments.
Professional Career Summary
Since turning professional in 2019, Leason has split time between the NHL and AHL. His NHL experience includes stints with the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks, where he has demonstrated the ability to contribute at the highest level. In the AHL, he has been a reliable contributor for the Hershey Bears, developing his professional game and waiting for his next NHL opportunity. His career totals include 36 NHL games played, with his most recent NHL action coming during his three seasons with the Ducks organization.
Brett Leason Family
Family Background
Brett Leason was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He grew up playing minor hockey within the Alberta Minor Hockey Association system, following in the footsteps of many Canadian hockey players who begin their journeys through local minor hockey programs. While detailed information about his parents and family background is not extensively documented in public sources, his upbringing in Calgary’s hockey culture provided him with the foundation to pursue a professional career in the sport.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Leason maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. As a professional athlete, he has focused his attention on continuing to develop his game and earning a consistent role in the NHL. His career path, which included going undrafted twice before eventually being selected by Washington in 2019, has shaped his approach to the game and his appreciation for the opportunities he has earned. Leason currently resides in North America to be close to his hockey commitments, balancing his professional career with personal pursuits.
2025-26 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marks a new chapter in Brett Leason’s professional career as he returns to the Washington Capitals organization. After beginning the season with the Minnesota Wild’s training camp and a brief stint with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, Leason signed with the Capitals in late October 2025. This homecoming reunites him with the team that originally drafted him six years earlier, providing him with an opportunity to re-establish himself at the NHL level.
Leason will look to earn a consistent role within the Capitals’ lineup as the team navigates the early portion of the season. His previous experience with the organization, including his NHL debut and first goal during the 2021-22 season, gives him familiarity with the team culture and expectations. The Capitals are expected to utilize him in various forward combinations as they evaluate his current abilities and potential contributions.
The outlook for Leason’s 2025-26 season centers on proving he can be a reliable NHL contributor. After three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks that saw him develop his two-way game, he returns to Washington with additional professional experience. If he can demonstrate consistency and contribute offensively, he has the opportunity to secure a longer-term position with the Capitals and help the team in their pursuit of playoff success.