This evening the Detroit Red Wings shared that John Leonard has been recalled from AHL Grand Rapids. No corresponding transaction was required.
The forward was sent back down on New Year’s Eve, not due to performance, but more a technical move to avoid waiver requirements. Had he stayed up for longer, the former sixth-round pick would become waiver eligible, where he’d become a surefire claim candidate. In his rehab stint of sorts, Leonard not surprisingly continued his elite AHL production, posting three more points in as many games with the Griffins. Now with seven fewer games in hand, Leonard has been surpassed as the AHL’s top scorer, but he impressively remains sixth despite spending notable time in the NHL now.
Originally earning the call up as a result of icon Patrick Kane’s injury, Leonard made an immediate impact, with four points in seven games. Many such high scoring AHLers struggle to get top six opportunities at the highest level, but Detroit has made sure to avoid burying theirs. The sniper got to play on the second line with Andrew Copp and Alex DeBrincat, but once Kane returned, he was naturally bumped down, playing over five minutes less, at 7:31.
Plucking such a high level performer from their affiliate is never easy, but even without him, Grand Rapids has continued their all-time great results. They boast an insane 28-1-2 record, with 11 more points than the second-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Even if Leonard can establish himself with Detroit as a secondary scorer this season, the team would likely replenish their AHL club with a top prospect such as Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper, who would may benefit from such a role on a dominant team.
Detroit takes on Ottawa tomorrow, where Leonard may re-enter the lineup. An UFA at season’s end, the 27-year-old has remained patient in his efforts to become a full time NHLer for the first time in five years, and at this rate, it hopefully may pay off.