John Leonard: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Detroit Red Wings Sign John Leonard

The Detroit Red Wings signed forward John Leonard to a one-year, two-way contract with a $775K AAV. Leonard was a sought-after free agent after a great season with the Charlotte Checkers.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

East Notes: Primeau, Lettieri, Leonard

Hurricanes RFA goaltender Cayden Primeau signed a one-year, league minimum deal yesterday, according to a team release. Primeau saw his signing rights transferred from Montreal to Carolina on Monday in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.

NHL News / Daily Faceoff / July 1

Red Wings sign forward John Leonard to one-year contract

The Detroit Red Wings have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with forward John Leonard, the club announced Tuesday afternoon. Leonard, 26, spent the entire 2024-25 season with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, scoring 36 goals and 61 points in 72 games.

Vancouver Canucks News / Little Box Cats / June 24

Checkers can’t extend season as Canucks claim first Calder Cup

The Charlotte Checkers got off to great start, but couldn’t hold off the Abbotsford Canucks, who claimed their first Calder Cup title with a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers AHL affiliate in Game 6 at Bojangles Coliseum.

Joe Thornton News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'NHL Hart Trophy winners' quiz

Can you name every winner of the Hart Trophy, which honors the most valuable player in the NHL, since 1983?

The 'NHL Vezina Trophy winners' quiz

The 'NHL Maurice Richard Trophy winners' quiz

The 'Conn Smythe Trophy winners' quiz

Florida Panthers News / Little Box Cats / June 2

Checkers in command after 5-1 win over Rocket

Riley Bezeau scored twice as the Charlotte Checkers posted a 5-1 victory over the Laval Rocket in Game 3 at Bojangles Coliseum, putting the Florida Panthers AHL affiliate one win away from the Calder Cup Final.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest American-born hockey players of all-time

Hockey might be the official sport of Canada, but the United States has also produced some elite talent. With that in mind, here's our list of the 25 best U.S.-born players, listed in alphabetical order.

Florida Panthers News / Little Box Cats / March 10

Checkers earn weekend spilt with Lehigh Valley

The Charlotte Checkers split a pair of games against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at Bojangles Coliseum over the weekend. On Saturday, John Leonard lit the lamp twice and rookie Cooper Black stopped 17 of 18 shots to lead the Checkers to a 4-1 win over the Phantoms.

NHL News / Pro Hockey Rumors / March 7

Blue Jackets to acquire former first-round forward from Sharks

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired forward Luke Kunin from the San Jose Sharks. A return hasn’t yet been shared.

Panthers acquire F Nico Sturm from Sharks

Blackhawks acquire underperforming forward from Red Wings

Devils to acquire young center from Penguins

Every Calder Trophy winner from the NHL expansion era

The 'Conference champion San Jose Sharks' quiz

NHL News / Little Box Cats / January 20