Following the judgment in the 2018 Hockey Canada matter, Michael McLeod is set to rejoin the NHL lineup this year. McLeod is anticipated to ink a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, as reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
The group of five players involved in the case — McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube — were cleared of all charges in July. The NHL then gave the green light for their return, mentioning that they were free to sign with teams starting Oct. 15. Nonetheless, the league also handed down suspensions to each of the five until Dec. 1, preventing them from practicing with any team until Nov. 15.
As the No. 12 overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, McLeod dedicated six seasons to the New Jersey Devils before stepping away temporarily when the charges were filed in January 2024. Throughout his 287-game career, McLeod has accumulated a total of 56 goals and 56 assists.
NHL Announces Suspension for Hockey Canada Players Following 2018 Case Resolution
Chris Bengel
In his most recent season, 2023-24, McLeod achieved a personal best with 10 goals across 45 games.
The significant question for the Hurricanes revolves around whether McLeod, having been absent from NHL action for over a year, can contribute meaningfully this season. Considering Sebastian Aho, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Jordan Staal are already established at the center position, McLeod’s role would likely be on the fourth line, or potentially shifted to a wing position.
Carolina chose to let Jack Roslovic explore free agency, this after he matched his previous career high with 22 goals during the last season. A renewed partnership between Roslovic and Carolina might have been a sensible move before the addition of McLeod.
