Detroit Red Wings acquire underrated prospect: "Someone you can't underestimate"
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Yzerman acquired forward John Leonard (brother to Ryan Leonard) in a signing announcement by the Detroit Red Wings organization in July, and while you wonder what he offers to the team, hint: it's organizational depth.
The Detroit Red Wings signed John Leonard this past July in order to bolster the Griffins' lineup in the AHL.
While he'll never turn out to be a player like Marco Kasper or Lucas Raymond, players like Leonard serve a purpose.
Originally drafted in the 6th round-182nd overall-in 2018 by the San Jose Sharks, he's only played 70 games in the NHL.
Leonard doesn't sound like a superstar in the NHL; that's because he's not. He's been a depth forward for multiple NHL organizations.
Last season with the Charlotte Checkers, he scored 36-25-61 in 72 games.
As a reliable point producer in the AHL, his utility in the NHL, where he hasn't had much success, will come when you least expect it. As the "next man", he could be a call-up during injuries or if a player is on LTIR.
John Leonard's Future With The Grand Rapids Griffins
Leonard's set to become a big part of the Griffins' organization. After his 61-point showing in Charlotte, he'll be worth a watch this season.
He'll be utilized not only as a goal-scoring forward but also as a measuring stick for other players like Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to outplay if they have hopes of becoming NHL players.
At age 27, he could still find a way to crack the regular season lineup, as spots are up for grabs in the lineup, which we could see players like Jonatan Berggren, Elmer Soderblom, and other prospects compete for.
Though we're not sure if he'll end up sticking in the league full-time, considering the Red Wings are moving quickly on promoting prospects in the league.
He'll have to justify to Yzerman and the team that he's worth being considered for a role in the NHL, no matter how small.
Otherwise, we could view his stint in Detroit as an audition for the other NHL franchises.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 13 | 165 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings acquire underrated prospect: "Someone you can't underestimate" Do you think forward John Leonard of the Detroit Red Wings will be a solid call-up option for the team? | ||
| Yes | 73 | 44.2 % |
| No | 92 | 55.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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