The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the NHL clubs in constant search for affordable, reliable, and young players who can take up crucial roster spots. However, finding such players isn’t the easiest task in the world.
But one such player could be available this offseason. This player was among the five individuals recently acquitted in the Hockey Canada trial. Specifically, the player the Maple Leafs could target is Michael McLeod.
McLeod was the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils. He found his way into the Devils’ lineup during the 2018-19 season, appearing in just 21 games. It wasn’t until the 2020-21 season that he played a full, albeit shortened year. He appeared in 52 games, scoring nine goals and 15 points.
His best season came in 2022-23, where he played in 80 games, registering 26 points. He appeared in 45 games during the 2023-24 season before being placed on leave due to legal matters.
Now that legal issues are likely behind him, McLeod could be ready to resume his NHL career. He’s still young enough at 27 to where he could play another decade in the league. That’s why the Maple Leafs would do well to look into bringing the Mississauga native into the fold.
The Maple Leafs would provide McLeod with a perfect opportunity to push the reset button. Signing in Toronto would be a homecoming, while giving the Leafs a player eager to prove he still belongs in the NHL.
McLeod Could Boost Maple Leafs’ Middle-Six Depth
The Maple Leafs wouldn’t guarantee McLeod a lineup spot. If anything, he’d likely start the year in the AHL before making his way back to the big club. And yes, McLeod has not put up numbers that would make anyone fall out of their chair.
But he’s got a first-round pedigree. With a good opportunity, he could turn into a solid middle-six forward who could play center or move to the wing. Most importantly, he could make other bottom-six players like Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf easily expendable.
McLeod could even hang around the club as a 13th or 14th forward, giving him exposure to the big club. Since there wouldn’t be any rush to bring him into the lineup, the Maple Leafs could ease him back into an NHL lineup.
McLeod Does Not Come without a Downside
The downside is that Michael McLeod might not deliver much for the Maple Leafs. He never showed significant offensive prowess at the NHL level. While he showed plenty of promise in the OHL, his AHL-level numbers were somewhat disappointing.
But then again, a motivated McLeod could play with a chip on his shoulder. That situation could prompt him to put up numbers similar to the ones he showed in the KHL this past season. He suited up for 16 games with the Barys Astana, putting up six points. He played in 19 games for the Avangard Omsk, notching 13 points in 19 games.
Such production, at the NHL level, could make McLeod a great fit on the Maple Leafs’ fourth line. Then again, injuries could push him up the depth chart. That depends on the Leafs’ willingness to take a flyer on a once-promising prospect.
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