Michael McLeod

Early Life and Junior Career

Michael McLeod was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, into a hockey family with his two younger brothers, Ryan and Matt, also pursuing professional careers. His minor hockey path was with the prestigious Toronto Marlboros program in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). In 2014, McLeod led the Marlboros to an OHL Cup championship, a major tournament for minor midget AAA teams, and his performance earned him the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as the tournament's most valuable player. That same year, he was selected fifth overall by his hometown Mississauga Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, immediately stepping into a significant role with the major junior club. McLeod's OHL career was one of steady progression and leadership, as he was named an alternate captain for the 2015-16 season and then ascended to the team captaincy for the 2016-17 campaign.

During his tenure with the Steelheads, McLeod developed into a dominant two-way centre known for his speed and faceoff prowess. His offensive production peaked in his draft-plus-one year, the 2016-17 season, when he recorded 27 goals and 46 assists for 73 points in just 57 regular season games. That season, he was named OHL Player of the Week in late February after a three-game stretch where he registered five goals and 11 points. McLeod's leadership and play were instrumental in guiding the Steelheads to the OHL championship series that spring, where they ultimately fell to the Erie Otters. His junior career established him as a complete player and a top prospect for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional Career in North America

The New Jersey Devils selected Michael McLeod with the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, signing him to a standard three-year entry-level contract that October. His professional debut was delayed by a significant knee injury suffered during a preseason game in September 2017, which required arthroscopic surgery. After recovering and completing his OHL career, McLeod joined the Devils' American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Devils, to conclude the 2017-18 season. He made his long-awaited NHL debut on November 30, 2018, in a game against the Washington Capitals, but spent much of that season shuttling between the NHL and AHL as he adjusted to the professional game.

McLeod gradually carved out a regular role with the New Jersey Devils over the subsequent seasons, evolving into a dependable bottom-six forward valued for his defensive play, physicality, and faceoff skills. He scored his first NHL goal on January 27, 2021, in his 39th career game, against the Philadelphia Flyers. That spring, McLeod experienced his only NHL playoff action, scoring the series-clinching goal in Game 7 of the first round against the New York Rangers and finishing the postseason with two goals and six points in 12 contests. He re-signed with the Devils on a one-year contract for the 2023-24 season but played only 45 games before his season was interrupted.

Move to the Kontinental Hockey League

With his NHL status in limbo during the legal process, Michael McLeod began the 2024-25 season overseas, signing a one-year contract with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League on August 2, 2024. He joined former Devils teammate Will Butcher on the Kazakhstani club. Despite the team's struggles, McLeod managed six points in 16 games, leading the club in scoring at the time of his release on October 18, 2024, a move widely reported as a cost-cutting measure by the last-place team. His stay in the KHL was brief but he quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the Russian club Avangard Omsk on November 19, 2024.

McLeod's performance improved markedly with the more competitive Avangard squad. He recorded three goals and ten assists for 13 points in 19 regular season games to finish the 2024-25 campaign. He then contributed more in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, adding one goal and seven assists for eight points in nine postseason contests. Following his legal acquittal in July 2025, McLeod committed his future to the KHL, signing a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk on October 9, 2025. The deal was reported to be worth approximately 245 million Russian rubles, or about $3 million USD. He has since become a key player for Avangard, and in the 2025-26 season he was named KHL Best Forward for one week after a standout performance. Through the early part of that season, he recorded 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points in 38 games, demonstrating his adaptation to the European professional game.

International Play

Michael McLeod represented Canada on several occasions throughout his youth career, beginning with an invitation to the national under-17 development camp in 2014. He played for Canada Red at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and the following year he won a gold medal with Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team at the prestigious Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2016, he played for Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team at the IIHF World Championship in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where the team finished fourth. His most notable international experience came with Canada's National Junior Team, where he attended summer development camps in 2016 and 2017 before making the roster.

McLeod was initially named the 13th forward for the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship in Montreal and Toronto. An injury to teammate Mitchell Stephens promoted him to the active roster, where he helped Canada secure a silver medal. McLeod was one of seven players to return for the 2018 World Junior Championship, though the team did not medal that year. His participation in the 2018 tournament later became centrally linked to the off-ice legal proceedings that emerged years later, which had a major impact on his career trajectory and led to his eventual move to professional hockey in Europe.

The 2018 Hockey Canada Legal Case

In January 2024, Michael McLeod was among five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team charged with sexual assault following a reopened investigation into an alleged incident in London, Ontario, in June 2018. The charges stemmed from an encounter with a woman after a gala celebrating the team's gold medal victory. Specifically, the London Police Service announced on February 5, 2024, that McLeod faced two counts of sexual assault. As a result, he was granted an indefinite leave of absence from the New Jersey Devils and surrendered to police, which ended his season with the club.

The trial began in April 2025 in London and encountered significant procedural challenges. The proceedings were declared a mistrial on two separate occasions before the presiding justice ultimately dismissed the jury and adjudicated the case herself. On July 24, 2025, Justice Mara Greene acquitted Michael McLeod on both charges of sexual assault. The acquittal applied to all four of his co-accused teammates as well. The verdict concluded a lengthy legal process that had a major impact on the careers and public profiles of all involved players, leading directly to McLeod's continued pursuit of his professional career in the KHL.

Playing Style and Career Profile

Throughout his career, Michael McLeod has been defined as a versatile, two-way centre. His game is built upon several key strengths that have allowed him to succeed at the OHL, NHL, and KHL levels. His combination of size, skating ability, and defensive responsibility made him a valuable asset in specific roles, particularly as his offensive production at the NHL level was supplemental to his primary duties. After moving to the KHL, his role expanded offensively with more power play time and offensive zone starts.

• Skating and Speed: McLeod possesses excellent straight-line speed and acceleration, which he used effectively on the forecheck and in transition.
• Faceoff Proficiency: He established himself as one of the top faceoff men in the OHL and carried that skill to the professional ranks, where he often took key defensive-zone draws.
• Defensive Responsibility: His hockey sense and work ethic made him a reliable penalty killer and a trusted player in defensive situations.
• Physical Play: Standing 6'2" and 195 pounds, McLeod uses his frame to engage physically along the boards and in puck battles.
• Leadership: His captaincy in Mississauga and his steady, professional demeanour were noted aspects of his character.

Michael McLeod signed with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League in November 2024. He played 19 regular season games and nine playoff games for them in the 2024-25 season. In October 2025, he signed a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk. During the 2025-26 KHL season, he posted 33 points with 16 goals and 17 assists in 38 games. He was also named Best Forward for one week and continues to be one of the top faceoff men in the league with a success rate around 64 percent.

Personal Life and Family

Michael McLeod comes from a tightly knit hockey family. He is the eldest son of Richard and Judi McLeod. His younger brother, Ryan McLeod, is also an NHL centre, having been drafted by the Edmonton Oilers and currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres. His other brother, Matthew McLeod, has pursued a professional career in Europe, most recently with the Belfast Giants of the British Elite Ice Hockey League. The brothers' shared career path has been a point of connection, with Michael and Ryan both having won the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as OHL Cup MVP in consecutive years.

McLeod grew up as a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and idolized NHL star Steven Stamkos. Beyond his immediate family, McLeod maintained a close friendship with former Mississauga Steelheads and New Jersey Devils teammate Nathan Bastian, with whom he often played on a line. His minor hockey coach was Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Paul Coffey, who provided early guidance in his development. The events of 2024 and 2025 thrust McLeod into an intense public spotlight unrelated to his on-ice performance, an experience shared with his family and close associates throughout the lengthy legal proceedings that culminated in his acquittal.

Questions about Michael McLeod

What team does Michael McLeod play for now?

As of October 2025, Michael McLeod is under contract with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He signed a three-year deal with the Russian club after spending parts of the 2024-25 season with both Avangard and Barys Astana. He has become a key forward for Avangard, contributing offensively and maintaining his reputation as a strong two-way player. His current contract keeps him in the KHL through at least the 2027-28 season.

What happened in the Hockey Canada trial involving Michael McLeod?

Michael McLeod was one of five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team charged with sexual assault related to an alleged incident in London, Ontario, in June 2018. He faced two specific counts. The trial began in April 2025 and encountered procedural issues, leading to two mistrials before the judge dismissed the jury and decided the case herself. On July 24, 2025, Justice Mara Greene acquitted McLeod on both charges. All four of his co-accused were also acquitted on the same day.

Can Michael McLeod return to the NHL?

Yes, Michael McLeod is eligible to return to the NHL. Following his acquittal, the NHL announced in September 2025 that he would be permitted to sign a contract with an NHL team starting October 15, 2025. His eligibility to actually play in NHL games was set for December 1, 2025. As an unrestricted free agent, he is free to negotiate with any NHL club, though as of late 2025 he had chosen to continue his career in the KHL under a multi-year contract.

Where did Michael McLeod play junior hockey?

Michael McLeod played his major junior hockey for the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was drafted fifth overall by the Steelheads in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection and played four seasons with the club from 2014 to 2018. He served as team captain during his final two seasons. Prior to the OHL, he played minor hockey for the Toronto Marlboros in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, where he led his team to an OHL Cup title in 2014.

What were Michael McLeod's stats with the New Jersey Devils?

Michael McLeod played 287 regular season games for the New Jersey Devils from 2018 to 2024, scoring 29 goals and 56 assists for 85 total points with 187 penalty minutes. His career high in points came during the 2022-23 season when he registered 26 points in 80 games. He also scored his first NHL goal on January 27, 2021 in his 39th career game. In the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, McLeod played 12 games for the Devils, recording two goals and six points including a series winning goal in game seven against the New York Rangers. His final season with New Jersey in 2023-24 saw him score a career best 10 goals and 19 points in 45 games before his indefinite leave of absence.

Is Michael McLeod related to Ryan McLeod?

Yes, Michael McLeod is the older brother of Ryan McLeod, who is a member of the Buffalo Sabres. Michael was born on February 3, 1998 and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. They also have another brother named Matt McLeod who plays for the Belfast Giants in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. Both Michael and Ryan played minor hockey with the Toronto Marlboros and each won the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as OHL Cup most valuable player in consecutive years. All three brothers are professional hockey players.

Sources and further reading

• Michael McLeod (Wikipedia)
• Michael McLeod, acquitted in World Junior sexual assault ... (cbc.ca)
• Man of the Week: Michael McLeod (en.khl.ru)
• Player Profile, Michael McLeod, Hockey Canada (hockeycanada.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.