John Leonard certainly isn’t the first AHL scoring sensation to get a shot with the Detroit Red Wings.
Remember Teemu Pulkkinen? Maybe Don MacLean? Or perhaps you go back as far as Mark Lofthouse.
They all got their chance. In Leonard’s case, he’s making the most of his chance.
“He’s been real good since he’s been up here,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said.
Combining his 19 goals for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins with the two he’s tallied in four games for Detroit, Leonard is a 21-goal scorer this season. Coupled with linemate Alex DeBrincat (20), it gives the Red Wings a pair of 20-goal snipers.
John Leonard loves playing the Caps 😅
He scores his first two goals of the season in back-to-back days against Washington ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Stx8vaA028
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 21, 2025
The Minnesota Wild (Kirill Kaprizov 22, Matt Boldy 22) are the only other NHL team that can make that boast this season.
As the old saying goes, this isn’t Leonard’s first rodeo. It’s his fifth NHL chance. He’s played a total of 74 games in the show, scoring eight goals.
McLellan believes that factor makes for an easier adjustment.
“He does have some experience,” McLellan said. “He’s played in the league before, so it’s not a whole bunch of nerves.
“He can settle in and just use his tool set and go.”
Leonard Turned Heads In Red Wings Camp
Detroit goalie Cam Talbot first took notice of Leonard in training camp. He figured that wouldn’t be the last he’d be seeing of the 27-year-old winger.
“I remember him from training camp this year, not really knowing him coming in, and I was impressed with him then,” Talbot said. “So not surprised that he had the success that he had down the minors and what he’s doing up here for us right now.”
Tim Gortsema, President of @griffinshockey, presented the November @FortuneTiresUSA “Expect More” AHL Player of the Month Award tonight to John Leonard🏆👏
Accepting on behalf of Leonard due to recall with the @DetroitRedWings is Sebastian Cossa👇 pic.twitter.com/Zf9Ch5Stnv
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) December 22, 2025
Talbot even offered a scouting report of the elements that make Leonard such a dangerous scorer.
“His release,” Talbot said. “He’s got speed, he can shoot it off the pass, it comes off his stick.
“It’s so hard in so many different ways. Certain guys can hide their release, and that’s what makes them elite shooters. And he’s kind of got that to him.”
Kane Still Idled
Leonard was summoned to the NHL when Patrick Kane went on the shelf with an undisclosed injury. He’s now missed four games, with more scheduled absences upcoming.
“Patty has skated over the last couple of days,” McLellan said. “He’ll skate (Monday) on his own. We won’t see him before Christmas. So we go one more game (Tuesday against Dallas), and then we play Carolina, I think, on the 27th, if I’m correct. There’s a chance there.
“We’ll see. He’s improving.”
Even when Kane does come back, that doesn’t mean Leonard will be going anywhere. His play is forcing the Red Wings to find a place for him.
“Talk about playing players and not worrying about or being afraid to put them on the ice, John’s like that,” McLellan said. “Five-on-five, overtime, we’re putting him out.
“We’re happy to have him right now.”