Red Wings reveal reasoning behind AHL demotion for John Leonard
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings have revealed the reason behind the AHL demotion for goal-scoring forward John Leonard.
Forward John Leonard, signed by the Detroit Red Wings in the summer, has proven he's been worth the ink on the paper.
He was recalled to the Red Wings as a result of a laundry list of injuries, including Patrick Kane, suffered by Red Wings.
Leonard would play 7 games of NHL hockey, scoring 4 points (2-2). He was a standout player before he had to relinquish his spot in the lineup for a demotion.
With the return of both Kane and JVR, the team had an overload of talent in the forward group and had to make a decision. Instead of sending a rookie or prospect down to occupy a spot in the AHL, Todd McLellan gave us the reason why Leonard was the odd man out.
«Difficult decision,» McLellan said. «Very difficult. Some would say, well, you didn't need to send him down because you had a roster spot. It does him no good sitting here and watching. »
Fans upset over Detroit Red Wings demotion of John Leonard to the AHL
Fans are expressing disappointment with the organization, as they demoted someone who can provide secondary scoring, skates with purpose, and has a knack for offense.
Before Leonard was called up, he was the AHL's leading goal scorer with 19 goals in 20 games.
However, fans shouldn't fret about the team's decision-making. McLellan wants us to know that Leonard is a call away. But players like JVR and Kane take top priority in the lineup.
«Are we comfortable in having him as early as a phone call? Right now, 'Yes,'» McLellan said. «He's a player that can play and play and help us. (But) we weren't going to use him. We going to put (James van Riemsdyk) back in. As a result, (Leonard's) there now. That doesn't mean he's there permanently. Things could happen with our roster.»
Instead of rostering 23 players with Leonard on board, the team has decided to keep it lean with 22, as he has been sent back down to the AHL.
However, fortunately for us all, Leonard's skill and play weren't detrimental factors in the reason to send him down.
Maybe soon enough, we'll get to see him in the winged wheel once more this season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 81 ANSWERS Red Wings reveal reasoning behind AHL demotion for John Leonard Do you think the reasoning revealed for forward John Leonard of the Detroit Red Wings' demotion to the AHL was good enough for you? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 59.3 % |
| No | 33 | 40.7 % |
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