Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff wonders aloud whether 28-year-old forward John Leonard, who dominated at the AHL level and played solidly at the NHL level last season, might help the Red Wings supplement their scoring without Patrick Kane in the lineup this upcoming season:
What we know for sure is that Leonard can score goals. Last season, he led the Grand Rapids 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.
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.”
Continued; the Red Wings will have to get creative to generate even-strength scoring, and Leonard, Nate Danielson, Sheldon Dries, Theo Rochette and Wilmer Skoog will all be in the mix, as will other presumptive Grand Rapids Griffins-bound players.
