Red Wings Call Up Forward On Sunday In Wake Of Larkin Suspension.

The Detroit Red Wings have added some forward depth to their roster ahead of their upcoming Florida road trip.

On Sunday, the Red Wings officially announced that they had called up forward John Leonard from their American Hockey League Affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. Leonard has played well for the Griffins this season and has certainly earned this call up. Over 6 AHL games this season he has already registered 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points.

The move of course comes in the wake of the suspension of Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, with Larkin no longer expected to return to the Red Wings until a trade has been made.

Given the timing this has led to rampant speculation that something may be brewing on the trade front, but far more likely is the scenario in which the Red Wings are simply banged up and in need of reinforcements. Not only have the Red Wings lost the services of their former captain in Larkin, but forwards Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton are currently on the sidelines due to injury as well.

Leonard does have some NHL experience to speak of, having played 81 career games in which he has 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 career points.