Following his acquittal within the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case, Michael McLeod will make his return to the NHL this season. McLeod is predicted to signal with the Carolina Hurricanes, in line with David Pagnotta of The Fourth Interval.

The 5 gamers charged within the case — McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube — had been discovered not responsible in July. The NHL just lately reinstated them, saying they might signal with groups as quickly as Oct. 15. Nonetheless, the league additionally suspended all 5 till Dec. 1, and the gamers will be unable to coach with a staff till Nov. 15.

The No. 12 general choose within the 2016 NHL Draft, McLeod spent six seasons with the New Jersey Devils earlier than taking a depart of absence when he was charged in January 2024. In 287 profession video games, McLeod has totaled 56 objectives and 56 assists.

NHL points suspension to Hockey Canada gamers acquitted in 2018 sexual assault trial

Chris Bengel

In his most up-to-date season, 2023-24, McLeod set a brand new profession excessive with 10 objectives in 45 video games performed.

The query for the Hurricanes is whether or not McLeod, who hasn’t performed an NHL sport in over a 12 months, could make an affect this season. With Sebastian Aho, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jordan Staal already locked in down the center, McLeod must play a fourth-line position or transfer to the wing.

Carolina did let Jack Roslovic stroll in free company after he tied his profession excessive with 22 objectives final season. A reunion between Roslovic and Carolina would have made sense previous to the addition of McLeod.