Detroit Red Wings steal a member of the Carolina Hurricanes with sneaky free agency signing

The Detroit Red Wings continue to add to their depth as free agency progresses. Today, GM Steve Yzerman signed forward John Leonard to a one-year deal worth an AAV of $775K, the NHL league minimum.

Leonard most recently played in the AHL with the Carolina Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.

Leon is a 5'11", 190-pound forward who has bounced around the league as an AHL journeyman.

He's played a total of 70 NHL games during his career, never cracking a full-time position in the league. During those games, he'd suit up for the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes.

With a career total of 17 points (6-11) in those 70 games.

Ironically enough, Leonard is the older brother of the Washington Capitals' 2023 1st-round draft pick, Ryan Leonard.

The Capitals were attempting to unite the brothers in unconventional methods, as the Hershey Bears were interested in signing him.

Instead, he opted to join the Detroit Red Wings organization and will undoubtedly make a mark in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Leonard's deal is a one-year deal that pays him $775K whether he's playing in the NHL or AHL.

The Detroit Red Wings were the obvious winners, as the Hershey Bears saw an exodus of some of their top talent this offseason, including defenseman Ethan Bear, who is headed to Long Island.

Leonard may be little more than a call-up option in the event of an injury occurring in the NHL.

That doesn't discount the fact that he had a dominant year in the AHL with the Checkers, scoring 61 points (36-25) in 72 games this season.