Report: Former Devils Forward Michael McLeod Signs in KHL

Former New Jersey Devils forward, Michael McLeod, has signed a new deal in the KHL with Barys Astana, inking a one-year contract.

The report comes from Barys Hockey Club per their official release.

McLeod is one of five players, four NHLers who were directed to surrender to police in London, Ont., to be charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident that occurred during a Hockey Canada event in the city in June 2018. The other four players include Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, and fellow former Devils skater Cal Foote.

A week before learning of the sexual assault allegations, McLeod and Foote took indefinite leaves of absences from the team on January 24th. They both did not return to the team for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

McLeod (and Foote) became a restricted free agent this summer, however, he was not qualified by the Devils and became a free agent.

Per Barys Hockey Club’s general manager, “We are happy to fill the deficit position with a player of such level. [McLeod] 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 [McLeod] 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.”

In 45 games with New Jersey last season, McLeod scored 10 goals and 19 points. He accrued 29 goals and 85 points in 287 career NHL games, all with the Devils.

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