Detroit Red Wings Recall John Leonard
The Detroit Red Wings have made a significant roster move by bringing forward John Leonard back from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, where he has been a standout player this season. With the NHL team gearing up for a series of four consecutive home games, Leonard’s impressive performance warranted his call-up.
Leonard’s AHL Performance
At 27, the New Jersey native has excelled in his time with the Griffins, contributing to an outstanding record of 22 wins, 1 loss, and 1 overtime loss. Leonard currently leads the AHL in scoring, having netted 19 goals and tallied 10 assists to amass 29 points across just 20 games. He has proven to be a prolific scorer, finding the net in 15 of those games. His phenomenal play in November earned him a title as the AHL’s Player of the Month, racking up 24 points in 15 contests.
Although he has played fewer games than some of his competitors, Leonard is merely two points shy of the overall AHL scoring leader, demonstrating his offensive prowess. His contributions have been vital, helping the Griffins accumulate 93 goals so far this season—ranking them at the top of the league, surpassing the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins by four goals, despite playing two games fewer.
Official Recall and NHL Experience
The Red Wings officially announced Leonard’s recall late on Sunday, just before they kick off their homestand on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. Along with the recall, they also assigned Erik Gustafsson to a different role.
Leonard is not new to the NHL; he was drafted in the sixth round by the San Jose Sharks and has stepped onto the NHL ice before during the 2020-21 season. Over his career, he has played 70 NHL games and accumulated 17 points while bouncing between the Sharks, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, and now the Red Wings. Much of his development, however, has taken place in the minor leagues, where his production has consistently improved. Last season, he recorded 36 goals and 25 assists for 61 points in 72 games with the Charlotte Checkers and stood out in the playoffs, adding 14 points in 18 games as the team advanced to the Calder Cup Final.
Leonard’s Perspective
In a recent conversation with The Hockey News, Leonard highlighted the chemistry he shares with his current linemates, Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries, as a key factor in his early success. He stated, “Playing with really good guys makes a difference, and I’m fortunate to be part of a line that is able to create and finish plays. It’s a fast-paced system, which suits my playing style well, and the coaching staff is fantastic.”
As for the strength of the Griffins, Leonard believes the team is capable of great things and plans to maintain focus on his current role rather than getting caught up in potential future call-ups. “Everyone’s dream is to be a regular in the NHL, but right now, my focus is here in Grand Rapids,” he shared.
Expected to fill a depth role upon joining the Red Wings, Leonard will likely be utilized in the lower lines as the organization seeks to address some inconsistency among its lineup members, including Marco Kasper. Stay updated with the latest news about the Red Wings by subscribing to their coverage.
