In a move that’s both strategic and slightly bittersweet, the Detroit Red Wings are shaking up their roster—and it’s all about timing. The team has reassigned forward John Leonard to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, a decision that, while tough, makes perfect sense when you dig into the details. But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just about Leonard’s performance—it’s about the delicate dance of NHL waivers, Olympic breaks, and keeping a player’s momentum alive.
Leonard, who has already proven himself as a 20-goal scorer in the AHL this season, was nearing a critical threshold: his 10th NHL game. Once a player hits that mark, they must clear waivers to be sent down to the minors. For the Red Wings, that risk was too great. With the NHL schedule pausing for the Olympics in a few weeks, the team knew they’d want Leonard back in Grand Rapids to keep playing. If he’d hit that 10-game mark, he’d have been sidelined for two weeks mid-season—a scenario no one wanted.
And this is the part most people miss: By sending Leonard down now, the Red Wings aren’t just preserving his eligibility—they’re ensuring he stays sharp. He’ll continue to play, refine his scoring touch, and be ready to rejoin the NHL squad after the Olympic break. The team might even wait until after the trade deadline to recall him, positioning him as a key secondary scorer for the season’s final stretch.
But the roster shuffle doesn’t stop there. Detroit coach Todd McLellan confirmed that another forward from the Griffins will be called up—a move he described as ‘insurance.’ This player will travel with the team to Montreal for Saturday’s game against the Canadiens, serving as a backup in case of last-minute injuries or illnesses. With the AHL-leading Griffins hosting the Texas Stars on Friday, the Red Wings are likely to announce the recall after that game wraps up.
Here’s the controversial question: Is this the best use of Leonard’s talent, or are the Red Wings playing it too safe? Some might argue that keeping him in the NHL, even with the waiver risk, could pay off in unexpected ways. Others see this as a smart, calculated move to maximize his impact later in the season. What do you think? Is this a masterstroke of roster management, or are the Red Wings missing an opportunity? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
