Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Bringing Up John Leonard from GR Again
Coach Todd McLellan’s decision to shake up the Detroit Red Wings’ lines also includes the recall of John Leonard from the Grand Rapids Griffins five days after he was sent to the team.
Leonard, the Griffins’ leading goal scorer, showed creativity and skill in producing two goals and two assists for four points after playing seven games for Detroit. The decision to send him back down was a mild surprise, given that the Red Wings seemed pleased with the impact he was having.
But McLellan insisted Leonard would be a “phone call away” in Grand Rapids if they needed him. It’s unknown whether injury or illness played a role in this decision. There was no indication Leonard’s recall was imminent at today’s practice. The Red Wings play Monday on the road against the Ottawa Senators.
Leonard a Gifted Offensive Contributor
However, did make it clear at practice that he wanted to change up the offense through changes to three different lines. The breakups included Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond being placed on separate lines. Did McLellan decide later that he wanted Leonard part of the shake-up?
The Red Wings have lost three of their last five games and scored 11 goals in those games.
When you consider that Leonard totaled a combined 44 goals in the regular-season and playoffs for Charlotte Checkers last season, plus 20 goals in 23 games for the Griffins, Leonard is one of North America’s hottest goal scorers. He’s a clever offensive player who also is a proven shootout performer. It’s not unthinkable that McLellan could play Leonard with Larkin or with Raymond.
Leonard, 27, is the older brother of Washington Capitals prize youngster Ryan Leonard. Originally a San Jose Sharks’ sixth round pick, the older Leonard has played a combined 77 NHL games with the Sharks, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes and Red Wings.
This is getting to look more and more like a circus. Should never have went down in the first place.
Greetings Fans of the Winged Wheel,
It’s about time! Get Leonard in here and on the top line, right now! Lose Marco Kasper back to the Griffins.
Get Sebastian Cossa in that vacant roster spot so we can lose Talbot or cut him loose on the wavier wire.
Let’s see if these guys can spark some offense and shore up our defense.
Oh, and one other thing TM, I’d have these guy’s doing stick drills blindfolded until they could pass that puck to one another in a blacked out arena. Half of practice every day would be passing drills with the entire surface of the ice covered with obstacles.
Get Good or Get Gone…
I’d send Soderblom down to the Griffins until he has the stones to be a physical presence on the ice and can skate. This guy should be Splattering bodies all over the ice. Also at 6’8″ this guy should be able to skate the length of the ice in 4 or 5 strides. Put him back in the AHL until toughens up and starts skating like he’s in the NHL.
My thoughts…
PBB
Well said PBB
Leave Talbot alone he has been fine. Sorry I don’t think Elmer will ever make it. . He is what he is. He will never be a bruiser or a great skater. This is what he is.
Good for him, he deserves it. I would really like to see the Wings make a trade or two, if for no other reason than to send a message. Still need some grit.
Kasper should be in that car on the way back.
Rink think your right. Not to punish him but it just isn’t happening. I just think Kasper playing more for the Griffs and working on his game can only help him. I honestly don’t get what has happened to him? It just isn’t working.