Detroit Red Wings Head coach Todd McLellan announced Monday that forward Patrick Kane, who scored the 498th goal of his NHL career in their 4-0 win Saturday over the Chicago Blackhawks, will miss at least the next two games.
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In Kane’s place, the Red Wings decided to recall forward John Leonard from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, where he led all AHL scorers with 19 goals scored in 20 games.
During Monday’s practice, Leonard replaced Kane on the second line alongside Alex DeBrincat and Andrew Copp, and all indications are that he will make his regular season debut with the Red Wings on Tuesday night against the New York Islanders.
Leonard, who already has 70 games of NHL experience with the San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes and Nashville Predators, is looking forward to the opportunity.
“I think any time you play in the NHL it’s special. I’m excited about the opportunity, and it’s obviously a historic organization to be a part of.”
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Leonard is in his first season with the Red Wings organization, having signed a one-year deal worth $775,000 with the club after playing last season under contract with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.
He had a productive campaign in Charlotte, scoring 36 goals while adding 25 assists in 72 games, and followed that up by contributing eight goals with six assists in 18 playoff games.
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As the current leading scorer in the AHL, he hopes to bring to the Red Wings the mentality that made him successful.
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“I think I just want to bring the same kind of mentality, use my speed and be a good 200-foot player. Responsible in both ends, be able to put pucks on the walls and hopefully create some offense.”
A Massachusetts native, Leonard grew up a Bruins fan, but is grateful to continue his NHL career with a historic club like the Red Wings, who are in their centennial campaign.
“I grew up in Massachusetts, so I watched a lot of Bruins hockey,” he said. “The Red Wings are an Original Six team, so it’s special to be a part of.”
The Red Wings will face the Islanders on Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m. ET.
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