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Red Wings Recall High-Scoring Forward
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- Red Wings Recall High-Scoring Forward
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Quietly, John Leonard is off to another productive start for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Detroit Red Wings have taken notice.
Detroit is summoning Leonard to the big club. The left-winger will make the club's Florida road trip, with games against the Florida Panthers on Monday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled John Leonard from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. pic.twitter.com/Moo1oGpnSb
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 1, 2026
In six games for the Griffins this season, Leonard has netted five goals. That's tied for second on the team with Sheldon Dries , who is also currently up with the Red Wings.
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Last season, Leonard led the Griffins with 33 goals, even though he only played 47 AHL games. He was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team.
Over the past two seasons, including playoffs, Leonard has scored 80 goals. He potted a career-high 36 goals for the AHL Charlotte Checkers in 2024-25.
"I think I just try to put myself in good spots (to score)," Leonard said.
Gangsta ish 😤 pic.twitter.com/kE06ixLpgc
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) October 18, 2026
He played 11 games last season with the Red Wings, accounting for two goals and two assists. Leonard displayed a creative flair when given opportunities to skate among Detroit's top-six forwards.
"He can make an impact on the game with his speed," Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. "But now his shot and his creativity offensively, they're coming to the forefront as well."
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The Red Wings would sign the 28-year-old Leonard to a one-year contract extension. It includes an AAV of $850,000 at the NHL level.
Leonard Recall Gives Balance to Red Wings Lineup
The addition of Leonard brings Detroit's roster to the NHL maximum of 23 players. It also presents the balance that has typically been the pattern for the franchise. The Red Wings now list two goalies, eight defensemen, and 13 forwards on the roster.
Scoring depth remains an issue for the team. Six forwards on the active roster have one goal or fewer this season. Dries, Carter Mazur , and Nate Danielson are all still seeking their first goal of the season.
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Forwards Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton are still about two weeks away from returning to action. Both are on the injured list.
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