Who is Michael McLeod? Former Devils forward accused in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Michael McLeod is facing sexual assault charges abruptly halting his NHL career (Getty Images)
As the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault case continues to unfold, one of the central figures making headlines is 27-year-old Michael McLeod. Once a promising first-round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils, McLeod's NHL career came to a sudden halt in 2024 when he was charged in connection with the alleged 2018 group sexual assault involving members of Canada's World Junior team.
Rising through the ranks: From OHL standout to NHL contributor
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Michael McLeod carved out an impressive junior career with the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, where he was named team captain and earned OHL Player of the Week honors. Drafted 12th overall by the Devils in 2016, he debuted in the NHL during the 2019–20 season and quickly became known for his two-way play and faceoff strength.
By the 2022–23 season, McLeod set a personal best with 26 points in 80 games and helped the Devils eliminate the New York Rangers in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring the decisive goal in Game 7.
He signed a one-year, $1.4 million extension with the Devils in July 2023.
Legal fallout leads to
KHL
move and career uncertainty
McLeod's career trajectory shifted dramatically on January 24, 2024, when he and teammate Cal Foote were granted indefinite leaves of absence from the Devils. 'Devils' Michael McLeod, Cal Foote granted leave as 2018 Hockey Canada investigation heats up,' NJ.com reported.
Just days later, on January 30, 2024, the London Police Service confirmed McLeod had been charged with two counts of sexual assault.
'Lawyer for Mike McLeod confirm to The Athletic he has been charged by London Police,' journalist Ian Mendes posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Following his departure from the NHL, McLeod signed with Barys Astana in the KHL before transferring to Avangard Omsk later in the 2024–25 season.
Also Read:
Who is Carter Hart? The Canadian hockey star accused in the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal
McLeod's case is part of a broader legal storm involving multiple members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team. With the trial ongoing and reputations under intense public scrutiny, McLeod's hockey future remains uncertain. Once seen as a potential long-term contributor in the NHL, he now plays overseas, with a cloud of legal and moral accountability looming large over his legacy.
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