Brett Leason Bio
Brett Leason (born April 30, 1999) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 220 pounds, Leason is a tall, physical forward who built his career through perseverance after going unselected in his first two years of NHL draft eligibility. He was chosen 56th overall by the Capitals in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has also appeared in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks.
Early Life and Background
Brett Leason was born on April 30, 1999, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in a hockey-rich region of western Canada, where the sport is deeply woven into the local culture. As a young player, Leason developed his game in the Calgary minor hockey system, suiting up for the Calgary Stampeders and later the junior Calgary Flames organizations of the Alberta Minor Hockey Association. Those early years helped him build the foundation of his skills and the toughness that has marked his career.
Leason’s amateur trajectory received a major boost when he was selected 50th overall in the third round of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft by the Tri-City Americans. He also represented Calgary North at the 2015 Alberta Cup, where he earned a silver medal. These early accomplishments hinted at the offensive upside he would later show at the major junior level.
Path to Hockey
Leason opened the 2016–17 WHL season with the Tri-City Americans, but he struggled to move up the lineup and was traded the following year to the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for a draft pick. The change of scenery proved transformative. In his first 54 games with the Raiders, he tallied 15 goals and 32 points, finally showing the scoring touch that scouts had hoped to see.
During the 2018–19 WHL season, Leason led the Prince Albert Raiders in scoring with 36 goals and 89 points, guiding the team to a first-place finish in the league. He carried that momentum into the WHL playoffs, posting 10 goals and 25 points in 22 games to help the Raiders capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions. Leason was also named to the WHL (East) First All-Star Team at the conclusion of that season. He also represented Canada at the 2019 World Juniors, registering three goals and five points in five games.
Brett Leason Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Following his selection by the Washington Capitals, Leason signed a three-year, entry-level contract on July 11, 2019. He spent his first two full professional seasons developing with the Hershey Bears in the AHL, where he sharpened his two-way game and adjusted to the pace of pro hockey. That patience paid off when he earned his first NHL call-up late in 2021.
Leason made his NHL debut on October 29, 2021, against the Arizona Coyotes, and just three days later he recorded his first NHL goal, beating Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy in a 3–2 loss. He closed his first NHL campaign with three goals and six points across 36 games, then made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in Game 2 of Washington’s first-round series against the Florida Panthers, stepping in for the injured Tom Wilson.
Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks Era (2021–2025)
On June 20, 2022, Leason signed a two-year contract extension worth $1.55 million to remain with the Capitals. He was unable to secure a roster spot out of training camp the following fall and was placed on waivers on October 9, 2022. The next day, the Anaheim Ducks claimed him off waivers, opening a new chapter in his career.
Leason debuted for Anaheim on October 17, 2022, in a 6–4 loss to the New York Rangers, and he scored his first goal as a Duck on November 5, 2022, beating San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer in a 5–4 win. He spent three seasons with the Ducks organization before becoming a restricted free agent following the 2024–25 campaign. Anaheim did not extend him a qualifying offer, ending his time in California.
Return to Washington (2025–Present)
After going unsigned through the summer, Leason accepted an invitation to the Minnesota Wild’s 2025–26 training camp, but was released. He then signed a professional tryout agreement with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, on October 13, 2025. Just two weeks later, on October 27, 2025, Leason returned to the NHL, signing a one-year contract to rejoin the Washington Capitals and reporting to the Hershey Bears.
Driving Style and Strengths
Leason is best known for his imposing 6-foot-5 frame, strong skating for his size, and a willingness to play a physical, north-south game. Coaches have praised his ability to drive the net, win battles along the boards, and contribute on the power play thanks to his heavy shot. His blend of size, skating, and finishing touch has made him a reliable middle-six winger at the AHL level and a useful depth option in the NHL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Leason’s career are his 2019 Ed Chynoweth Cup win with the Prince Albert Raiders, his first NHL goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy, and his 2025 return to the Washington Capitals organization. Being drafted 56th overall after going unselected in his first two years of eligibility also stands as a defining moment of perseverance in his journey.
Brett Leason Career Wins
Brett Leason’s résumé features a mix of junior, minor professional, and NHL milestones, headlined by his WHL championship and individual scoring honors.
WHL and Junior Highlights
Leason’s biggest junior triumph came in 2019, when he led the Prince Albert Raiders to the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions and was named to the WHL (East) First All-Star Team. He paced the Raiders in playoff scoring with 10 goals and 25 points in 22 games, then represented the Raiders at the 2019 Memorial Cup, where the team finished fourth. He also captured a silver medal with Calgary North at the 2015 Alberta Cup.
Other Wins & Performances
At the international level, Leason suited up for Canada at the 2019 World Juniors, contributing three goals and five points in five games. He has yet to record an NHL playoff win, but he has produced steadily as a depth scorer in both the AHL and NHL since turning pro in 2019.
Brett Leason Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Brett Leason’s parents and extended family is limited, and he has generally kept his personal life out of the spotlight. He grew up in Calgary, Alberta, in a region known for producing elite hockey talent.
Personal Life
Leason maintains a low public profile off the ice, and details about a spouse, partner, or children are not publicly confirmed. His social media presence, including an Instagram account, offers occasional glimpses of his training and team life, but he is known primarily for his work as a professional hockey player.
2025 Season Performance
Leason’s 2025 calendar year began with the end of his three-year run in Anaheim, as the Ducks opted not to extend a qualifying offer following the 2024–25 season. He spent the early portion of the 2025–26 campaign as an unsigned free agent, accepting a training-camp invitation from the Minnesota Wild before being released. He then joined the Charlotte Checkers on a professional tryout agreement on October 13, 2025, to stay game-ready.
His fortunes changed quickly when the Washington Capitals signed him to a one-year NHL contract on October 27, 2025, and assigned him to the Hershey Bears. The reunion with the organization that originally drafted him provides a fresh opportunity to re-establish himself as a reliable NHL winger after several seasons of moving between leagues and lineups.
Looking ahead, Leason is expected to provide the Capitals with a tall, physical bottom-six option who can contribute on the forecheck and the power play. With another season left to prove his value, his 2025–26 outlook centers on earning a consistent NHL role and helping both Washington and Hershey push deep into their respective postseasons.
