John Leonard, a prominent forward, was sought after by the Hershey Bears for an AHL contract. He decided instead to sign a one-year, $775,000 deal with the Detroit Red Wings, requiring waivers for AHL assignment. Leonard had an impressive AHL season, tallying 61 points and 36 goals with the Charlotte Checkers, including a significant playoff performance. Hershey's interest was driven by potential departures in their veteran roster as several players have moved on during free agency.
Leonard had a dominant season in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers, recording 61 points (36g, 25a) in 72 games, hitting the back of the net 10 times on the power play and five times shorthanded.
The Hershey Bears tried to sign John Leonard, the 26-year-old older brother of Capitals' 2023 first-round pick Ryan Leonard, to a 'lucrative' AHL contract.
Leonard will make $775k in both the NHL and AHL during the 2025-26 season. He'll require waivers to be sent down to the Red Wings' AHL affiliate.
Hershey's interest in Leonard comes as much of their veteran core could be moving on during free agency, with multiple players recently signed or moving on.
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