The Detroit Red Wings have called up forward John Leonard from their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, ahead of a four-game home schedule. Leonard, 27, has been outstanding this season, playing a key role in the Griffins’ impressive 22-1-0-1 record. Hailing from New Jersey, he leads the AHL in scoring with 19 goals and 10 assists (29 points) in just 20 games, finding the net in 15 of those contests. His stellar November performance, which included 24 points over 15 games, earned him the AHL Player of the Month honor.
Although Leonard has played fewer games compared to others, he is just two points shy of the league’s top scorers. His offensive prowess has helped Grand Rapids post the highest goal total in the league at 93, surpassing the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins by four goals despite having played fewer games. This standout play made Leonard’s promotion to the NHL inevitable, and he was recalled late Sunday night in preparation for the Red Wings’ upcoming home games against the New York Islanders.
A sixth-round draft pick by the San Jose Sharks, Leonard has NHL experience from the 2020-21 season. He has appeared in 70 NHL games across several teams including San Jose, Nashville, Arizona, and now Detroit, scoring 17 points. However, most of Leonard’s career has been spent developing in the minors. Last season, he tallied 61 points in 72 games with the Charlotte Checkers and added 14 points in 18 playoff games en route to the Calder Cup finals.
In a recent chat with The Hockey News, Leonard credited his current success to his chemistry with linemates Dominique Shine and Sheldon Dries, as well as the team’s fast, north-south playing style and supportive coaching staff. He also praised the depth of the Griffins squad, emphasizing that while an NHL spot is a dream, his current focus remains on performing well in Grand Rapids.
Leonard is expected to provide depth for the Red Wings and may even see some time on defense as Detroit seeks internal fixes amidst struggles from players like Marco Kasper.
Fan Take: Leonard’s recall is exciting for hockey fans because it showcases the importance of strong AHL performances translating into NHL opportunities, highlighting the depth in the sport’s development system. His arrival might offer Detroit fresh energy and a spark that could influence the team’s success during this crucial homestand and beyond.
