John Leonard’s Injury Lingers, Griffins and Red Wings Await His Return
GRAND RAPIDS - The Grand Rapids Griffins are navigating a tough stretch without their top goal-scorer, and the timeline for his return is still a bit murky.
John Leonard, who’s been lighting the lamp at a torrid pace this season, was initially expected to be back in the lineup this weekend. But according to Griffins head coach Dan Watson, that’s no longer in the cards.
“We thought he’d maybe play this weekend, but it doesn’t look like it,” Watson said.
The silver lining? This isn’t shaping up to be a long-term issue. The hope inside the Griffins locker room is that Leonard’s absence will be short-lived - potentially just one more week.
“No, we’re hoping short-term,” Watson added. “So hopefully he’s back by next weekend.”
Leonard suffered the injury just before the AHL All-Star break, during the second-to-last game before the pause. While the team hasn’t disclosed the specifics of the injury, it was enough to keep him out of the All-Star festivities - an unfortunate twist for one of the league’s most electric forwards this season.
“Just an injury that, you know, just continually doesn’t get worse,” Watson explained. “It gets better, but there’s still just a sharp pain that he’s got to work through.”
A Major Hole in the Griffins’ Lineup
Leonard’s absence is being felt - and not just because of his goal tally. With winger Eduards Tralmaks away representing Latvia at the Winter Olympics, the Griffins are down a combined 44 goals between the two.
Leonard leads the team and sits second in the entire AHL with 26 goals in just 32 games. Tralmaks has chipped in 18 of his own.
That’s a massive offensive void for any team to fill, let alone one in the thick of a playoff push.
Leonard’s impact isn’t just measured in numbers - though the numbers are eye-popping. His goals have come in big moments, and his chemistry with teammates like Amadeus Lombardi and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has been a highlight reel in the making. Take his goal from January 14, where a slick pass sequence and a smart off-puck read led to Leonard burying a snipe in the slot - a sequence that perfectly encapsulates his offensive instincts.
Detroit Keeping a Close Eye
The Detroit Red Wings are watching closely, too. Leonard’s strong play in Grand Rapids - and his brief but promising stint in Detroit - has put him firmly on the radar for a potential recall after the Olympic break. The Red Wings are looking for scoring depth, and Leonard’s name has been floated as a possible solution.
In nine games with Detroit earlier this season, Leonard posted two goals and two assists. Not earth-shattering numbers, but what stood out was his confidence and the way his offensive game translated at the NHL level.
“Well, he’s certainly confident at the American League level,” Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan said. “What he’s done there and what that team has done is remarkable. But he’s been a real big part of it.”
McLellan knows Leonard’s game well - dating back to his time with the Sharks in San Jose. And while Leonard’s speed has always been a known commodity, it’s the evolution of his shot and offensive creativity that’s catching more eyes now.
“He has NHL experience,” McLellan noted. “We know that he can make an impact on the game with his speed. But now his shot and his creativity offensively are coming to the forefront as well.”
Looking Ahead
For now, the Griffins are hoping Leonard can shake off the lingering pain and get back on the ice by next weekend. His presence is missed - not just on the scoresheet, but in the flow and confidence of the offense.
And for the Red Wings, Leonard’s recovery could come at a perfect time. As the Olympic break winds down and the NHL playoff race heats up, Detroit may need a player who can bring a spark - and Leonard might just be that guy.
Until then, both clubs are left waiting - and hoping - that Leonard’s return is just around the corner.