"Avangard's player prepares for an exit from the team"
Michael McLeod, the Canadian hockey player who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in July 2025, finds his NHL return uncertain and complicated. Despite being an unrestricted free agent and having most recently played in the KHL after leaving the NHL in early 2024, McLeod's NHL prospects are clouded by ongoing reputational issues, potential further allegations, and the NHL's off-ice conduct policies.
The New Jersey Devils, McLeod's former NHL team, is unlikely to re-sign him due to the public relations impact and organizational concerns about distractions. The NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) empowers the Commissioner to discipline players for conduct harmful to the league, regardless of criminal convictions. This includes expulsion, suspension, or contract cancellation after league investigations.
A pending second alleged sexual assault case linked to McLeod from 2014 is under investigation, further jeopardizing his NHL eligibility and reputation. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has condemned the type of behavior alleged in these cases and implied strong league-level responses may occur outside of court rulings.
Agents of the hockey players are planning to meet with NHL management, including Commissioner Bettman, to discuss the possibility of the players continuing their careers in the NHL. However, the specifics of McLeod's involvement in this meeting remain unclear.
Meanwhile, Maxim Sushinsky, the general director of Avangard, has provided an explanation for Jesse Blacker's departure from the team. The reasons for Blacker's departure and his future in hockey are not addressed in the article. Blacker was a member of Avangard, like McLeod, who played for the team in Omsk last season.
The court ruling that McLeod and other former Canadian junior team hockey players are not guilty of sexual assault that occurred in 2018 does not seem to have significantly impacted McLeod's NHL prospects. Several NHL clubs have expressed interest in signing McLeod, but the league's disciplinary framework and team-level risk aversion could potentially prevent his return.
In summary, while Michael McLeod is legally cleared, his NHL return faces significant obstacles from both the league’s disciplinary framework and team-level risk aversion, compounded by active new allegations. His near-term professional future remains more viable in leagues outside the NHL unless circumstances change substantially.
What if the NHL considers signing McLeod in sports? After all, he has several interested clubs, but wouldn't it be a challenge, given the ongoing allegations, the league's off-ice conduct policies, and the potential negative impact on public relations and team morale?
