James Nichols
After leaving the New Jersey Devils in January 2024, ex-New Jersey Devils forward, Michael McLeod is seemingly returning to the NHL.
READ MORE: Acquitted Ex-Devils Forward Drawing NHL Interest | Report
According to a report by David Pagnotta via The Fourth Period, the Carolina Hurricanes appear set to agree to a contract with McLeod as soon as October 1st, which can then be officially signed later that month on the 15th, with the opportunity to play NHL games as soon as December 2nd, 2025.
McLeod is one of the five 2018 Hockey Canada members who were acquitted of a sexual assault charge over the summer.
As of now, there is no indication that a return to the Devils was ever a possibility.
Chris Johnston previously reported McLeod was among a few players involved in the trial that would draw NHL interest. The other two players mentioned are Carter Hart and Dillon Dubé.
Alex Formenton’s rights are still owned by the Ottawa Senators.
The Devils never qualified an offer to McLeod after he was summoned to London, Ontario to appear in court. Thus, he became an unrestricted free-agent amid his legal allegations.
McLeod, 27, recorded six goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 35 KHL games with Barys and Omsk last season. In 287 NHL regular-season games with the Devils, McLeod has tallied 29 goals, 56 assists, and 85 points, along with 164 penalty minutes.
In 2024–25, the Hurricanes finished second place in the Metropolitan Division with 99 points amid a 44-30-5 record. Their current center depth entering 2025–26 consists of Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, Jordan Staal, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
The five members of the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations were all reinstated after an agreement by the NHL and NHLPA last week.
RELATED: Ex-Devils Acquitted in Trial to be Reinstated
