Devils Daily: KHL Controversy; Markstrom a True No.1 Goaltender?

The New Jersey Devils cut ties with Michael McLeod this summer when they didn’t extend the 26-year-old a qualifying offer and allowed him to become a free agent. That’s because McLeod is at the root of the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations that forced him to take an indefinite leave of absence in January, only to never return. Now, he’s continuing his hockey career overseas. More on McLeod in the links.

Elsewhere, could we see a reunion in Philly with JVR? Can Tage Thompson return to form in 2024-25? And do the Devils have a true No.1 goaltender?

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Former Devils forward, Michael McLeod, has signed a new deal in the KHL with Barys Astana, inking a one-year contract despite allegations against him the the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal. The report comes from Barys Hockey Club per their official release.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Every team has a starting goaltender, however, not every team has a true No.1 goaltender. Here’s a look at the few true No.1’s in the NHL today.

San Jose Hockey Now: Despite signing his entry-level contract, Igor Chernyshov will be playing for the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit per an SJHN source. The 2024 Memorial Cup winner made Chernyshov the 56th pick of the most recent CHL Import Draft.

Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche were successful with Jonathan Drouin as a reclamation project. Erik Brännström could be the next reclamation project to pay off. (+)

Philly Hockey Now: It is a bit strange to see that former Philadelphia Flyers standout James van Riemsdyk is still a free agent this late into the NHL offseason. Should the Flyers consider a reunion?

Buffalo Hockey Now: The 2023-2024 season was tough for Tage Thompson, who’s looking to bounce back after posting his lowest point total since breaking out from a 14-point 2020-2021 season. The question is whether the numbers support the idea that Thompson can return to the player the Buffalo Sabres have come to expect.

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