Overview
- The Red Wings, which announced the agreement Thursday, keep the 27-year-old winger under contract through 2026-27 and out of unrestricted free agency.
- Leonard leads the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins with 32 goals and 53 points in 46 games, and Grand Rapids holds the West’s top seed for the Calder Cup playoffs.
- He split time with Detroit this season, posting four points in 11 NHL games, and he has 21 points in 81 career NHL games with four franchises.
- Hours before the extension, the AHL named Leonard to its Second All-Star Team for the second straight season, underscoring his standing as a premier minor-league scorer.
- Analysts note the extension positions him to compete for NHL depth next season as veteran forward contracts near expiration, reinforcing Detroit’s internal pipeline approach.