What Happened
The Detroit Red Wings announced Sunday that they have recalled forward John Leonard from their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. The move brings Detroit to 13 healthy forwards on its active roster, which is now full. The Red Wings have been short up front with Dylan Larkin away from the team while awaiting a trade and Mason Appleton and Marco Kasper out with injuries.
Key Details
- Leonard, 28, has five goals and two assists in six games with Grand Rapids this season.
- He posted 33 goals and 21 assists in 47 AHL games last season and was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team.
- He had two goals and two assists in 11 games with Detroit last season.
- He signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $850K in April and cleared waivers in September.
- Leonard has eight goals and 13 assists in 81 career NHL games, mostly with San Jose in 2020-21.
What It Means
With Larkin away and Appleton and Kasper injured, Detroit's forward depth is thinner than usual, giving Leonard an immediate path to NHL minutes. His AHL scoring and prior cup of coffee with the Red Wings made him the logical call-up, and the full 13-forward roster leaves little room for further additions without corresponding moves.
What's Next
Leonard is expected to see NHL action soon given Detroit's depleted forward group. The Red Wings' roster situation could change again once Larkin's trade is completed or Appleton and Kasper return.