Detroit Recalls John Leonard from Griffins

Published on January 4, 2026 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release

Grand Rapids Griffins left wing John Leonard
(Grand Rapids Griffins, Credit: Nicolas Carrillo)

Leonard has 32 points and 20 goals in 23 games with the Griffins this season to go along with two penalty minutes, seven game-winners and a plus-15 rating. In the AHL rankings, the sixth-year veteran is tied for sixth in points, second in goals and first in game-winners. Leonard is currently on a three-game point streak with Grand Rapids (1-2-3) and has six points in his last six games (3-3-6). He was named the Fortune Tires "Expect More" AHL Player of the Month for November with 16 points (9-7-16) in 10 games and became just the third player in franchise history to win the award, joining Riley Barber (April 2022) and Chris Minard (Feb. 2012). Leonard's career-best 10-game point streak from Oct. 10-Nov. 19 set a franchise record to begin both a season and a Griffins career and his career-high six-game goal streak from Oct. 11-Nov. 2 tied with teammate Austin Watson, Jiri Hudler, Kip Miller and Pavol Demitra for the third-longest run in franchise history. Last season, Leonard ranked among the AHL leaders in points (61, T10th), goals (36, T2nd), power-play goals (10, T9th), short-handed goals (5, T1st) and shots (252, 2nd). In addition, he aided the Charlotte Checkers to the 2025 Calder Cup Finals when he registered 14 points (8-6-14) in 18 postseason appearances.

Leonard has four points (2-2-4) in seven games with the Red Wings, making his Detroit debut on Dec. 16 against the New York Islanders. The 27-year-old showed a three-game point streak with the Red Wings from Dec. 17-21 (2-1-3) and scored a goal in consecutive outings from Dec. 20-21. At the NHL level, Leonard has 21 points (8-13-21) in 77 games across parts of five seasons.

Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information. Single-game tickets for the Griffins' 2025-26 season can be purchased through griffinshockey.com/tickets.

Grand Rapids Griffins left wing John Leonard (Nicolas Carrillo)

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