The New Jersey Devils have announced they have re-signed Michael McLeod to a two-year contract worth $1.95 million. The contract carries a salary-cap hit of $975,000.
#NEWS: We have re-signed Michael McLeod to a two-year contract.
Welcome back, Motor Mike!https://t.co/QJXJ5jhpKh
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 15, 2021
Devils Re-Sign Michael McLeod
The Devils are again keeping a member of their fourth line together by re-signing Michael McLeod. McLeod had a career year during the 2020-21 season. In his third season with the Devils set career highs with nine goals, six assists for 15 points in 52 games with the Devils this season. In addition, McLeod recorded his first career NHL goal on January 26th along with tallying two game-winning goals for the Devils this past season. Even though the Devils once again missed the playoffs, McLeod was a bright spot. His six goals in the team’s last 27 games was the third-best on the team.
The Devils originally drafted McLeod in the first round, 12th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. McLeod played with Nathan Bastian, who the Devils selected in the following round, in Missagauga for the Steelheads.
Going Forward
As previously mentioned this was McLeod’s best season in the NHL with the Devils. Prior to that, he was playing primarily in the AHL. But finally earned a roster spot this season. There were high hopes for him being a second or third-line centre. However, other players were able to go past him on the depth chart. But this past season he found his niche on the fourth line with Miles and Bastian. The Devils just re-signed Bastian too. New Jersey knows you need a good fourth line that can be physical but has skill as well. Those three played really well together establishing that style of hockey.
Unfortunately for New Jersey, someone will have to go to Seattle. There is no doubt McLeod will be left unprotected meaning the Kraken could draft if they so choose. This would be a loss especially for a player who found his role finally this season within the organization.
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