Coach Todd McLellan’s decision to shake up the Detroit Red Wings’ lines also includes the recall of John Leonard from the Grand Rapids Griffins five days after he was sent to the team.
Leonard, the Griffins’ leading goal scorer, showed creativity and skill in producing two goals and two assists for four points after playing seven games for Detroit. The decision to send him back down was a mild surprise, given that the Red Wings seemed pleased with the impact he was having.
But McLellan insisted Leonard would be a “phone call away” in Grand Rapids if they needed him. It’s unknown whether injury or illness played a role in this decision. There was no indication Leonard’s recall was imminent at today’s practice. The Red Wings play Monday on the road against the Ottawa Senators.
Leonard a Gifted Offensive Contributor
However, did make it clear at practice that he wanted to change up the offense through changes to three different lines. The breakups included Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond being placed on separate lines. Did McLellan decide later that he wanted Leonard part of the shake-up?
The Red Wings have lost three of their last five games and scored 11 goals in those games.
When you consider that Leonard totaled a combined 44 goals in the regular-season and playoffs for Charlotte Checkers last season, plus 20 goals in 23 games for the Griffins, Leonard is one of North America’s hottest goal scorers. He’s a clever offensive player who also is a proven shootout performer. It’s not unthinkable that McLellan could play Leonard with Larkin or with Raymond.
Leonard, 27, is the older brother of Washington Capitals prize youngster Ryan Leonard. Originally a San Jose Sharks’ sixth round pick, the older Leonard has played a combined 77 NHL games with the Sharks, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes and Red Wings.