Michael McLeod
Michael McLeod is the 2016 first-round pick. After suffering an injury during training camp, McLeod was forced to go back to Mississauga to play another season of Juniors. This season did not go as well as the season prior.
The reason for the drop in production is unknown, but there are plenty of excuses. For one, he started the season with that knee injury we just mentioned. He also lost his best friend Nathan Bastian, who went to the Binghamton Devils. On top of all that, the Steelheads were much worse last season, ending the season fourth in the division after a run all the way to the OHL Finals.
This season, McLeod could easily make it to the Devils. Despite having a down season, McLeod still had 44 points in 38 games. It’s close to a 30 point drop, but it’s still a decent season.
McLeod showed his ability in the playoffs last season. He tried to send the Steelheads to the next round all by himself. He scored six goals in six games, and added four assists. He’s clearly on the cusp of greatness.
However, I was not a fan of what we saw from him in his short stint in the AHL. McLeod only recorded one assist in six games. Sure, Binghamton was very much out of it by that point, but one was hoping to see a little more.
McLeod could spend the beginning of the season in the AHL, but could easily break through to the NHL roster.