Why Maple Leafs should sign former Devils center Michael McLeod

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be attentive to any opportunity that the market offers, and a potential signing that is worth analyzing is that of Michael McLeod. He is a young forward, but with experience in the NHL, in addition to having the motivation to start over after leaving some legal problems behind.

Why Michael McLeod is a good fit for Toronto Maple Leafs

McLeod, 27, would contribute to the Leafs' versatility, since he is a player capable of playing both in the center of the attack and on the wing. That characteristic would add depth to the squad and would give several options to coach Craig Berube.

The issue of depth would have an effect mainly on the middle-six and bottom-six, which would cause players like Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf to be expendable, or that greater internal competition is fostered.

McLeod is free of contract after his link with Barys Astana of the KHL ended (before that, he was in the New Jersey Devils organization for seven seasons), so it could be a low-cost signing. This, added to his motivation to relaunch his career in the NHL, makes him an interesting alternative for any team.

Toronto could even manage his inclusion with caution, leaving him first in the AHL and promoting him gradually according to how his adaptation and performance advance. In that way, they remove pressure from his shoulders, without breaking his progress after returning to North America.

We shouldn't forget that McLeod is originally from Mississauga. A return to Canada would be even more special for him. The 27-year-old forward, in a not-so-distant future, could be key in the rotation of the Leafs, especially if important injuries come to present themselves.