Acquitted ex-New Jersey Devils forward, Michael McLeod’s, attempt to return to the NHL has failed, at least for now.
READ MORE: ‘NOT GUILTY’: Judge Blisters Prosecution, Evidence in Ex-Devils McLeod, Foote Sexual Assault Trial
Michael McLeod, 27, was linked to the Devils’ rival, the Carolina Hurricanes, for several weeks as the period in which the 2018 Hockey Canada acquitted could begin talking contracts with teams.
The date at which they can agree to new deals is on October 15th, however, no NHL deal is coming for McLeod in six days.
McLeod is returning to the KHL, where he previously was once he was summoned by the London Police to appear in court, but then waited for trial to begin regarding the sexual assault allegations by victim, E.M.
The ex-Devils forward inked a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk. In 19 games last season with Avangard, McLeod tallied three goals and 13 points. Before playing for the Omsk, McLeod skated for the KHLs Barys Astana, registering three goals and six points in 16 games.
After some heavy pushback from the Carolina fanbase following whispers of the possibility that McLeod could sign with the team, the Hurricanes decided that signing the ex-Devils forward was not in their best interest.
The Hurricanes are also linked to fellow acquitted former NHLer, Carter Hart. However, his NHL return appears imminent, as the Vegas Golden Knights are the frontrunners to ink the ex-Philadelphia Flyers No.1 netminder.
In the case of E.M., McLeod, although acquitted, was viewed as the “architect” of the sexual assault after the trial publically revealed the details of the allegations made by the victim.
On September 11th, the NHL & NHLPA announced that McLeod and the other four 2018 Hockey Canada acquitted would be afforded the opportunity to resume their NHL careers, although condemn the actions revealed in the trial. After the players’ cooperation in the initial trial, and the NHLs own private investigation, the five players are free to sign new deals in six days, and then resume their NHL careers in December.
However, for McLeod, he’ll have to wait until at least his age-30 season.
