(Editor\u2019s Note: This is another installment of a player-by-player analysis of the Detroit Red Wings\u2019 roster for the 2025-26 season. The emphasis is on how each player performed and their future in the organization. Today, we discuss Detroit forward John Leonard.)<\/p>\n
Age: He\u2019s 27 and will turn 28 on August 7.<\/p>\n
Contract Status: Signed a one-year, one-way deal that will pay him an AAV of $850,000.<\/p>\n
Last season\u2019s contributions:\u00a0During two separate recalls from the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, Leonard accounted for two goals and two assists in 11 games.<\/p>\n
Grade: C+<\/p>\n
Past<\/p>\n
Signed last year to a one-year, one-way deal, John Leonard\u2019s<\/a> arrival in the Red Wings organization came off a career-high 36-goal campaign with the AHL Charlotte Checkers. In four previous pro seasons, Leonard\u2019s best output was 18 goals.<\/p>\n In 70 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes, Leonard contributed 6-11-17 totals. <\/p>\n Present<\/p>\n First and foremost, Leonard<\/a> was signed by the Red Wings to be a top scorer for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins and provide an insurance policy for Detroit. He would fill both roles effectively.<\/p>\n Leonard led the 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. <\/p>\n His first recall to Detroit came when Patrick Kane<\/a> went on the shelf with an injury. Skating on Detroit\u2019s second forward line, Leonard collected two goals and two assists in his first six games with the Red Wings.<\/p>\n