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Red Wings Reassign John Leonard to Grand Rapids After Seven-Game NHL Stint

The move reflects roster pressure from Patrick Kane's return, with James van Riemsdyk nearing a lineup spot.

Overview

  • Detroit completed the reassignment Tuesday, sending the 27-year-old winger back to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.
  • Leonard produced four points in seven games with Detroit, his first NHL action since the 2023–24 season with Arizona.
  • Patrick Kane returned to the lineup on Sunday, and coach Todd McLellan said James van Riemsdyk looked ready in practice.
  • The timing avoids triggering waivers exposure, which would have been required had Leonard reached 10 NHL games.
  • Leonard resumes a leading role in Grand Rapids, where he has 19 goals and 29 points in 20 games and was the AHL’s November Player of the Month.