Michael McLeod

March 2021 – McLeod has solidified the Devils’ bottom-six, becoming the fourth-line center with regularity. His five points in 22 games do not indicate any high-end offense to come from McLeod, but he is a very decent stabilizing force down the middle for the Devils, especially on the penalty kill. Hadi Kalakeche

October 2020 – McLeod has been stuck in the twilight zone between consistent AHL ice-time and sheltered NHL minutes for the past two seasons, with two quarter-seasons at the top level under his belt already. He’s struggled to put up consistent numbers at the AHL level this season and has yet to register an NHL goal. It does not help that the top-two center roles in NJ are locked in for the next decade, with Hischier and Hughes. His abilities shine through in transition, as he puts d-men on their heels and drives the net with his pace and dynamism. However, his IQ will need to come a long way if he’ll look to establish himself as a top-nine option down the road for the Devils. Hadi Kalakeche

March 2020 – McLeod for some reason has seen his production drop since the full system change in Binghamton. He is now just under a half-point a game in Binghamton (23 points in 47 games). Concerns include being moved off the puck easier than usual especially in New Jersey where he only has two points in 12 games. McLeod has regressed significantly. Chris Wassel 

January 2020 – McLeod is chugging along at a steady rate of a little over a point every other game. It is not great but Binghamton is starting to play better of late and McLeod’s defensive abilities have improved. He should get a better look in New Jersey post-All-Star break. Chris Wassel

November 2019 – McLeod has shown a bit more scoring touch at the start with three goals and seven points in 12 games. The problem with Binghamton is the system/disorganized mess and that has hampered McLeod some. Chris Wassel

April 2019 — McLeod finished off the 2018-19 campaign well with two points in his final three games. Next year will be a crucial year in his development as the center needs to shoot a little more and work on some aspects of his defensive and offensive game.  Chris Wassel

March 2019 – McLeod transitioned into even more of a playmaker this season for Binghamton notching 25 assists and 31 points in 52 games before another New Jersey call-up. The Devils besieged by injuries have been pleasantly surprised by the center’s ability to win faceoffs (52.4% overall). He assisted on one goal in ten games while playing around 12 minutes a night. The one concern that has been mentioned frequently is that McLeod is averaging just 1.3 shot attempts per game at the NHL level and his AHL number is not too much higher. The center has an above-average shot and the speed to create space to use said shot. Those are aspects of his game that need to be worked on along with battling more efficiently in corners. Chris Wassel

June 2018 – McLeod recovered from surgery in time to play 38 games for the Steelheads and managed above a point-per-game average (finishing with 44 points), and then adding 10 points in six playoff games. When Mississauga’s season ended he got in a brief six games with Binghamton for his first taste of AHL hockey. The performance wasn’t anything to write home about, registering only an assist and a minus-six, but Binghamton didn’t have a season to remember either. McLeod has the skating and the size of an NHLer, and now the 12th overall pick from 2016 will try to put it all together in hopes of making the Devils this fall. He is more of a playmaker than a natural goal-scorer, but he has high potential and is the Devils top prospect heading into the 2018-2019 season. Kelly Bowler

Dec 2017 – Since returning from injury McLeod has been off to a slow start with the Mississauga Steelheads. However, Devils fans should expect a strong second half of the season from McLeod as he is centering one of the most prolific lines in the entire CHL. McLeod stats should start to take off with Owen Tippet being sent down from Florida and his brother Ryan, a projected first-round draft pick this year playing on his wing. Devils fans will be able to get a great view of McLeod this Boxing Day as he is expected to be one of the main scoring threats for Canada at this year’s World Junior’s. – Grant Frey

October 2017 – McLeod is expected to be out 4-6 weeks after undergoing successful surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee. With the abundance of young talent emerging in the Devils line up, it is difficult to predict what the Devils will do with McLeod when he has fully recovered from his injury. Grant Frey

July 2017 – After an impressive development camp, McLeod is putting himself in a good position to make the Devil`s opening night roster. The speedy center showed off his incredible vision and is doing everything he can to stay up with the big team this year. New Jersey has had problems scoring goals as of late and may turn to McLeod this season for some depth scoring. If McLeod impresses in the rookie and main camp he will have every opportunity to earn a spot for this upcoming season. If McLeod is returned to the Mississauga Steelheads they will be one of the favorites to capture the OHL title. As well, if returned to junior, McLeod will be a prominent member of Canada`s world junior team. Grant Frey

June 2017 – Prior to the Entry Draft McLeod ranks as New Jersey’s top prospect to not yet hit the NHL. Look for him to continue his impressive trajectory after a third OHL campaign featuring 27 goals and 46 assists in 57 Steelhead regular contests and a 27-point, plus-17 run in 20 postseason games. Such scoring is sorely needed in New Jersey and will help clear a quick path to the NHL. Kevin Wickersham

March 2017 – McLeod continues to tear up the Ontario Hockey League on a scoring pace surpassing last year’s impressive totals. At 22 goals and 44 assists in 52 games, he has helped lead a remarkable Mississauga resurgence from last to first place by a huge, 22-point margin in the OHL’s Central Division, including clinching a playoff berth nearly a month before season’s end. He was named CHL player of the week in late February during a three-game span in which he accumulated five goals and six assists with a plus-8 rating. He’s grown as a physical force this campaign while decreasing his penalty minutes to 45 from the 71 he earned in 2015-16. Netted two goals and dished an assist for Canada in this winter’s WJC tournament. Could rise in the professional ranks quickly as New Jersey looks to bolster its anemic offense. Kevin Wickersham

December 2016 – The 2016-17 campaign has been rough going for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads as they sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 10-14-3-3, but their highly-touted Devils’ prospect McLeod has persevered to score at a more than point-per-game pace (6 G, 22 A in 26 games) as he did last year (21 G, 40 A in 57 games). Playing in his hometown, the 18-year-old center has displayed a tough and competitive edge (31 PIM) that compliments his blazing speed on the ice. McLeod continues to exhibit all the offensive skill and grit needed to excel at the next level as a true power center. – Kevin Wickersham

June 2016 – Desperate for offense, the Devils lunged at McLeod 12th overall. It’s not farfetched to envision the sizable scoring center as New Jersey’s top middleman in the near future. Mark Allan

February 2016 – His stock has been steadily rising and he had a strong start to the OHL season. If he continues to shine he could push his ranking into the top five overall. McLeod has an impressive package of skill, skating, smarts, and speed. McLeod possesses leadership qualities, is dominant on draws has excellent playmaking skills but his strongest asset is his acceleration and speed. While his offensive upside may never win him a scoring championship and he may not even lead his team in scoring, McLeod forecasts to be an extremely valuable player much like Jonathan Toews. Peter Harling

February 2016 – McLeod is a very strong skater, has good size for a first-line center, is a reliable two-way player and strong on draws. His skill set in terms of playmaking, puck control, and shooting is strong, but what I feel is his greatest area of opportunity is his creativity offensively. McLeod has drawn comparisons to Jonathan Toews, and while their styles are similar I am not sure his offensive upside is that high in terms of the NHL level. Still a sure-fire future NHL player and one a team can build a winning team around as a 2-3 center. Peter Harling