Detroit's AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins signed defenceman Alex Kannok Leipert to a one-year deal. The Detroit Red Wings made an interesting add at the AHL level with the Grand Rapids Griffins, as they continued to shape their roster ahead of the franchise’s 30th anniversary season. Griffins GM Shawn Horcoff signed defenseman Alex Kannok Leipert to a one-year contract on Thursday with the most interesting bit of information being where he's from. Kannok Leipert, 24, joins the Griffins after a breakout 2024-25 season with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. The Thailand-born blueliner is the only pro ice hockey player from his country and will hope to continue making his nation proud as he marches towards an opportunity at the NHL level. He appeared in a career-high 59 games, recording 11 points (four goals, seven assists), 93 penalty minutes, and a minus-one rating. Known for his physical style of play and leadership qualities at a young age, Kannok Leipert saw career-bests across the board. Originally drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Capitals in 2018, Kannok Leipert spent the first three years of his professional career with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he logged 123 regular-season games and accumulated 140 penalty minutes, 12 points (1-11—12), and a +10 rating. He also suited up for two playoff games in 2023, contributing an assist. A former captain of the Vancouver Giants from the Western Hockey League, Kannok Leipert was a dependable presence on the back end during his junior career. He posted 83 points, including 21 goals along with 240 penalty minutes, and a +47 rating in 219 games. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/] team site to stay connected to the latest news [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news], game-day [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day]coverage, and player features [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players]. His play elevated in the postseason with 12 points in 28 playoff games. His standout 2019 playoff run saw him finish fourth among WHL defensemen in postseason scoring and helping the Giants reach the league finals. The signing comes as Grand Rapids looks to build on a promising 2024-25 campaign. Under head coach Dan Watson, the Griffins finished third in the Central Division with a 37-29-4 record and made it to the Central Division Semi-Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs, eventually falling to Texas Stars in a 3-0 sweep. The Griffins’ defense was a major factor in their playoff push, and the addition of Kannok Leipert adds both toughness and depth to a blue line that features several top Red Wings prospects. As the organization celebrates its 30th season and 25th in the AHL, Kannok Leipert’s arrival symbolizes a mix of grit and leadership for a team eager to make a deeper playoff run and continue developing talent for the Detroit Red Wings pipeline. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwnuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] favorites.
