{"id":808003,"date":"2026-08-09T14:50:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T14:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/808003\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T14:50:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T14:50:06","slug":"does-leonard-fit-into-red-wings-picture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/808003\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Leonard Fit Into Red Wings Picture?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who\u2019s going to score is a big question on the minds of the Detroit<\/a> Red Wings\u2019 braintrust heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.<\/p>\n

Detroit needs more goals. The Red Wings need to register more when playing five-on-five. And the power play figures to be less potent minus its driver, Patrick Kane<\/a>. And we still don\u2019t know if captain Dylan Larkin\u2019s consistent 30-goal presence will be packing up and moving on.<\/p>\n

Should Hockeytown be turning its goal-starved eyes and casting its gaze upon John Leonard<\/a>?<\/p>\n

What we know for sure is that Leonard can score goals. Last season, he led the Grand Rapids Griffins<\/a> with 33 goals, even though he only played 47 AHL games. He was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I just try to put myself in good spots (to score),\u201d Leonard said. <\/p>\n

Leonard Displayed Offensive Creativity in Brief Red Wings Stint<\/p>\n

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\u2019s top-six forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can make an impact on the game with his speed,\u201d Red Wings coach\u00a0Todd McLellan<\/a>\u00a0said. \u201cBut now his shot and his creativity offensively, they\u2019re coming to the forefront as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Red Wings would sign the 28-year-old left-winger to a one-year contract extension. It includes an AAV of $850,000 at the NHL level.<\/p>\n

Power play goal from John Leonard gives the Grand Rapids Griffins the 2-0 lead. <\/p>\n

Shai Buium did a lot of good work after the faceoff and then Ondrej Becher and William Wallinder took over to make a bit of magic happen. <\/p>\n

Love the full team effort. #gogrg<\/a> #lgrw<\/a> #ahl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SRTwGfFYrB<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 y-Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) January 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Likely, at the time of the signing, the Red Wings were viewing Leonard as playing for the Griffins and offering a high-skill insurance policy for the big club. Since the departure of Kane and the potential departure of Larkin, who has asked for a trade, could there now be room for Leonard\u2019s offensive touch in the Detroit lineup?<\/p>\n

Even one of the guys leaving Detroit thinks Leonard could help the Red Wings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you see his anticipation for the play, his ability to get to the net,\u201d Kane said. \u201cI mean, I know he\u2019s got a great shot. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s proved that in the minors as well, scoring a lot of goals.\u201d<\/p>\n