Red Wings News Roundup: Wings recall Leonard, Shanahan takes on new role, massive lineup changes

On Sunday, the Red Wings announced the recall of forward and newly fan favorite John Leonard from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. Leonard, 27, has posted 20 goals and 32 points in 23 games this season with Grand Rapids.

Earlier in the campaign, Leonard was called up to Detroit to fill in for Patrick Kane during Kane’s injury absence, appearing in seven NHL games and registering two goals and four points. His consistent play in the AHL and previous NHL experience provide the Red Wings with added depth as the team looks for an offensive spark.

Brendan Shanahan to oversee Ontario Junior Hockey review

In a significant off-ice development, Hockey Canada announced that Brendan Shanahan has been appointed to oversee a comprehensive review of men's junior hockey operations in the Province of Ontario. Most recently, Shanahan served as the President and alternate governor with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2014-2025).

Shanahan, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Red Wings legend, will lead an independent panel to evaluate player development, safety protocols, and competitive standards across the province. The review aims to strengthen the junior hockey system and hopes to enhance opportunities for Canadian athletes.

Todd McLellan dramatically shuffles Red Wings lineup ahead of tilt with rival Senators

Following back-to-back losses, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan responded with a dramatic shakeup of his team’s lineup during Sunday’s practice. Notably, the top line featured Andrew Copp at center, flanked by Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane—a trio that had been slotted as Detroit’s second line for much of the campaign but is now tasked with carrying the offensive workload.

The second unit saw captain Dylan Larkin centering Elmer Soderblom, who has frequently been a healthy scratch, and Marco Kasper, who has struggled mightily this season. The pair of wingers offers a mix of speed and physicality but lacks finish and overall skill at this juncture of their careers, forcing Larkin to really elevate if this is how McLellan starts Monday's game.

The third line comprised J.T. Compher between James van Riemsdyk and Lucas Raymond. At the same time, the fourth featured Emmitt Finnie, who has spent the majority of the year flanking Larkin with Raymond on Detroit's top line, pivoting alongside Mason Appleton and Michael Rasmussen.

Rookie Nate Danielson served as the extra forward during Sunday's practice. On defense, the pairings remained consistent with what fans have seen for the majority of the season, maintaining stability on the blue line.

With John Leonard back in the mix, I am speculating as to whether he will slot into Soderblom’s spot on the second line or perhaps join Compher and van Riemsdyk on the third. Alternatively, Lucas Raymond could be bumped up to play alongside Larkin and Kasper, with Leonard stepping onto the third line—a scenario that could inject fresh energy into the lineup.

As Detroit prepares for a pivotal matchup against the Ottawa Senators in Canada’s capital, all eyes will be on how McLellan’s revamped lines translate to on-ice results and whether these adjustments will spark the turnaround the Red Wings need after suffering back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins.