John Leonard

John Gerard Leonard (born August 7, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey player for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect of the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Leonard was selected 182nd overall by the Sharks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career
Leonard was originally first eligible to be drafted in 2016, but was not selected while playing for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League. After two years with the Gamblers, Leonard joined the University of Massachusetts Amherst ("UMass"), playing for their ice hockey team, the UMass Minutemen while studying Communications and Sport Management. While with the Minutemen, Leonard caught the attention of the San Jose Sharks, who drafted him in the sixth round, 182nd overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft despite not having any contact with Leonard during the predraft process. In his third year at UMass, Leonard was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and lead all NCAA players in goals, with 27.

On March 31, 2020, Leonard decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks. Leonard made the opening night roster and made his NHL debut against the Arizona Coyotes on January 14, 2021, playing on a line with Evander Kane and Tomáš Hertl. Leonard posted two points in his debut, assisting on goals by both his linemates, helping the Sharks to a 4–3 shootout victory. His first goal came in a 3–2 win over the Anaheim Ducks February 15, 2021.

Personal life
Leonard was born on August 7, 1998 to parents John and Cindy Leonard. He has three siblings: Ryan, Brianna, and Alyssa. John Sr. was an assistant coach for the UMass Minutemen basketball team between 2001 and 2005.