Who’s going to score is a big question on the minds of the Detroit Red Wings’ braintrust heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.

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. And we still don’t know if captain Dylan Larkin’s consistent 30-goal presence will be packing up and moving on.

Should Hockeytown be turning its goal-starved eyes and casting its gaze upon John Leonard?

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.

Leonard Displayed Offensive Creativity in Brief Red Wings Stint

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.”

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.

Power play goal from John Leonard gives the Grand Rapids Griffins the 2-0 lead.

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.

Love the full team effort. #gogrg #lgrw #ahl pic.twitter.com/SRTwGfFYrB

— y-Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) January 22, 2026

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’s offensive touch in the Detroit lineup?

Even one of the guys leaving Detroit thinks Leonard could help the Red Wings.

“I think you see his anticipation for the play, his ability to get to the net,” Kane said. “I mean, I know he’s got a great shot.

“He’s proved that in the minors as well, scoring a lot of goals.”