John Leonard

July 2025 – After leading the Charlotte Checkers in goals and points in both the regular season and Calder Cup Playoffs, Leonard signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings this offseason. He continues his professional career as organizational depth for Detroit and will be competing with a younger crop of upcoming forwards in their system during training camp. I would be surprised if he gets anything more than a game or two in the NHL due to injury. Jeff Grybel

July 2024- Leonard has settled into a solid AHL player who gives his NHL team depth if needed. In 2023-24, he had 12 goals and 32 points for Tucson. When injuries hit Arizona, Leonard appeared in six contests with the club, scoring one goal. For 2024-25, Leonard signed with the Charlotte Checkers on an AHL deal. Keith Duggan

October 2022 – With one goal, and zero points in two pre-season games, John Leonard has been reassigned to Milwaukee in the AHL. It would’ve taken a lot to win an NHL roster spot over some of his competitors, but now Leonard should be a prominent player for the Admirals. Due to his waiver exemption, he should also be near the top of the injury call-up list. Curtis Rines

July 2022 – Leonard was acquired in a trade that sent restricted free agent Luke Kunin to the San Jose Sharks. Leonard has 58 games of NHL experience, but the soon-to-be 24-year-old has spent the majority of his time in the AHL this past season. He could push for a depth role out of training camp but expect him to start in the minors. Curtis Rines

June 2022 – Leonard made the Sharks out of camp however after a lackluster start to the year was returned to the Barracuda where he finished second in team goal-scoring with 17. After being a regular contributor for the Sharks in 2020-2021, this season was a bit of a step backwards for Leonard. He still needs a contract as a pending RFA and if he does get signed he’ll be in another battle for playing time. Donesh Mazloum

January 2021 – The fastest rising prospect the Sharks have, John Leonard, has fought his way up into the lineup for opening night. Determination and maturity are a couple of factors that helped Leonard cement his place with the team. Although not highly touted before camp began, Leonard has proven to coaches and teammates that he is more than ready for a role in the NHL. He will likely begin the season on the second line alongside Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl. Alex Howes

Oct 2019 – Leonard is entering his 3rd season in the NCAA with the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). He is the first player since Sharks defenceman Justin Braun to be selected out of UMass after only their freshman season. He is undeniably offensively gifted, but head coach Greg Carvel of the UMass Minutemen says he has been more impressed with Leonard’s commitment to developing his play off the puck. Keep an eye on the young American, as he has the potential break into the professional system with a splash. Alex Howes

April 2019 – Leonard finished this NCAA season third in points among Hockey East Conference players. The forward managed a point-per-game pace with 36 points in 36 games. While his offensive numbers were an improvement over his freshman season, his coach was more impressed with Leonard’s improved defensive play. Leonard’s development so far is exceeding expectations for a sixth round pick, however he’ll have at least one more year to marinate in the NCAA. Chris Legg

June 2018 – The Sharks drafted John Leonard, a skilled forward from the NCAA’s UMass, with the 182^nd pick in the 2018 NHL entry draft. Leonard represents a bit of a swing for the fences which isn’t a bad bet at this stage in the draft. He put up really nice numbers in his freshman season with UMass, but he’s likely a long wait with plenty of development time in the NCAA ahead of him. Chris Legg