Recent reports revealed that despite being charged in connection with the 2018 incident following the World Junior Championships, McLeod is getting another shot at his hockey career.
Alongside McLeod, players Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton were also charged, with McLeod facing an additional count as a party to the offense.
The alleged incident occurred after a Hockey Canada event in Ontario in June 2018, celebrating the team's World Junior Championship victory.
In 2022, London, Ontario police released court documents indicating they had enough evidence to charge the five players for assaulting a young woman in a hotel room.
All teams previously associated with these players severed ties, and it is unlikely they will return to the NHL. McLeod has found a new opportunity with Barys Astana in Russia.
All five players continue to deny the allegations and have pleaded not guilty in court.
NHL players under intense scrutiny often move to Russia, where they can play with less public attention. Dillon Dube, another accused player, signed with Dinamo Minsk a month ago.
At just 26, McLeod's NHL future seemed promising, having been selected 12th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2016 Draft. He played 45 NHL games, scoring 10 goals and nine assists, but has since seen his career derailed.
More on the 2018 World Juniors scandal here:
Source: Hockey Patrol
Player found guilty in 2018 World Junior case signs contract to play again
Source: Hockey Feed
One of the accused players from the 2018 World Junior case signs new contract!
Source: HockeyDB
Michael McLeod Stats
POLL | ||
AOUT 2 | 85 ANSWERS Player charged in hockey Canada major case scandal signs with a new team Should Michael McLeod be prohibited from playing hockey globally? | ||
Yes | 50 | 58.8 % |
No | 35 | 41.2 % |
List of polls |