Former Devils 1st rounder finds new team amid ongoing legal case
Former New Jersey Devils first rounder has found a new team for 2024-25 amid an ongoing legal case.
Michael McLeod, who was selected 12th overall by the New Jersey Devils back in 2016, is heading overseas to the KHL for the 2024-25 season and has signed with Kazakh-based club, Barys Astana.
Barys Astana General Manager Oleg Bolyakin commented on the signing on Friday saying that the team is happy to have Michael McLeod aboard for the 2024-25 campaign and he expects the former NHLer to be their first line center.
Bolyakin also talked about McLeod's ongoing legal case in Canada, adding that they would like to say that McLeod didn't admit guilt and will defend himself in court. He said that the team will have no further comment on the matter.
"We are happy to fill the deficit position with a player of such level. MacLeod has played quite successfully for the New Jersey Devils over the last four seasons, bringing benefits on both sides of the ice, and he was among the NHL leaders in faceoffs won. Anticipating questions about the proceedings with his participation in Canada, we would like to say that Michael did not admit guilt and will defend his interests in court. In the future, we would like to refrain from commenting. Now, first of all, we consider MacLeod as the first center, who is capable of becoming not only the leader of Barys, but also one of the most recognizable players in the entire KHL." Bolyakin said.
McLeod, 26, was named as one of the five players allegedly involved in a sexual assault in London, Ontario following a Hockey Canada gala where the 2018 World Junior gold medalists were honoured. Of the five allegedly involved, McLeod is the only one facing two charges - two counts of sexual assault, which were confirmed by London Police back in January. A date has yet to be set for their jury trial, but an announcement could come at some point this month.
Source: Barys Astana
Michael MacLeod is a newcomer to Barys
| POLL | ||
Do you think McLeod will ever play in the NHL again? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 24.5 % |
| No | 37 | 75.5 % |
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