MAJOR: Devils First-Round Pick Officially Available for Trade
In a surprising turn of events, the New Jersey Devils have placed 2016 1st round pick Michael McLeod on the trade block.
Devils Officially Allow Trade Talks to Emerge Around Michael McLeod: The 2016 First-Round Pick is Done in New Jersey
While he may already be 25, it appears McLeod is a late bloomer. He is far exceeding his past seasons, and now looks like a legitimate third-line scoring centre.
The truth of the matter is that McLeod's value has never been higher. He's playing in an elevated role on New Jersey's third line this season. Further, in the absence of New Jersey's captain, Nico Hischier, and Jack Hughes early in the year, McLeod impressed while skating in the top six. Plus, his low-cost, short-term contract gives buyers flexibility.
The 25-year-old already has three more goals than his total in all of last season. He is just two shy of his career-high (nine) with 47 games remaining in 2023-24. He's on track to set career highs in goals and points pro-rated over an 82-game season.
The 25-year-old already has three more goals than his total in all of last season. He is just two shy of his career-high (nine) with 47 games remaining in 2023-24. He's on track to set career highs in goals and points pro-rated over an 82-game season.
Anaheim Linked to McLeod, and Former Star Goaltender John Gibson Would be a Perfect Fit for the Devils
The publication who released this equally linked McLeod to the Anaheim Ducks, who are sorely missing forwards, and could use McLeod's young scoring.
Anaheim has two assets that are interesting to the Devils, once star goalie John Gibson, who would be a major improvement over Vitek Vanecek, Akira Schmid, and Nico Daws, as well as Adam Henrique, who played several seasons as a Devil, and could be a great add as they look to contend.
So, who might want a forward with McLeod's skillset?
Well, look no further than the Anaheim Ducks who have often been in attendance at the Prudential Center scouting New Jersey. We know Fitzgerald has a twinkle in his eye for goaltender John Gibson. We know the Devils need better-quality goaltending. And we know New Jersey has enough forwards to fill the potential gap in McLeod's absence.
From the Ducks' perspective, Anaheim head coach Greg Cronin loves McLeod-type players. McLeod's toolkit certainly fits in a Cronin system. The Mississauga, Ontario native can slide right into the lineup that's missing Leo Carlsson and is suspected to move pending unrestricted free agent, Adam Henrique.
Well, look no further than the Anaheim Ducks who have often been in attendance at the Prudential Center scouting New Jersey. We know Fitzgerald has a twinkle in his eye for goaltender John Gibson. We know the Devils need better-quality goaltending. And we know New Jersey has enough forwards to fill the potential gap in McLeod's absence.
From the Ducks' perspective, Anaheim head coach Greg Cronin loves McLeod-type players. McLeod's toolkit certainly fits in a Cronin system. The Mississauga, Ontario native can slide right into the lineup that's missing Leo Carlsson and is suspected to move pending unrestricted free agent, Adam Henrique.
It will be very interesting to see where McLeod ends up. One thing looks certain: he won't be a Devil for long.
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 31 | 123 ANSWERS MAJOR: Devils First-Round Pick Officially Available for Trade Would you like your team to trade for Mike McLeod? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 41.5 % |
| No | 72 | 58.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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