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New Jersey Devils: Michael McLeod Gets Called Up To The Big Show

By Vincent Parise |
LAVAL, QC, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Michael McNiven #40 of the Laval Rocket makes a save against Michael McLeod #9 of the Binghampton Devils at Place Bell on October 13, 2018 in Laval, Quebec. (Photo by Stephane Dube /Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Michael McNiven #40 of the Laval Rocket makes a save against Michael McLeod #9 of the Binghampton Devils at Place Bell on October 13, 2018 in Laval, Quebec. (Photo by Stephane Dube /Getty Images)

Jean-Sebastien Dea should look back on his short time with the New Jersey Devils with nothing but happiness and a time filled with opportunity. The Devils should also review his time with the club in a similar manner. He helped the team win games early on, there is no doubt about that.

Dea was claimed off of waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday morning, and he has been sent to their minor league club in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He played 20 games with New Jersey and accumulated 3 goals and 2 assists for five points. That is five more points than anyone expected when the Devils claimed him back during training camp. I wish him nothing but the best in his career.

Now the big story that clearly caused JS Dea being put on waivers. The New Jersey Devils have called up their 2016 first-round pick Michael McLeod. He will meet the team in Washington D.C. for their game against the Washington Capitals on Friday. It will be his NHL debut.

He has been with the club previously, but never made his NHL Debut due to injury, and he was sent back to the minors following his recovery. This is his chance to take a roster spot and make an impact.

McLeod has had a very successful junior career, including World Junior Championships gold and silver medals representing Team Canada. He had gaudy numbers when playing for the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, the top junior league in the world.

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As a member of the Devils’ top minor league affiliate, the Binghamton Devils of the AHL, he has three goals and seven assists for ten points in 21 games. He should be expected to score, considering the right shot center was taken in the first round, 12th overall in 2016. He clearly has talent, and his previously mentioned gaudy OHL numbers support that.

With Dea gone, and Joey Anderson having a broken ankle that required surgery earlier in the week, there is a way for McLeod to earn himself a permanent spot on the team. The Devils have been waiting to see what they have in him for a long time. This is an exciting time for fans, as we have a chance to see a highly touted home grown player try and make an impact.

The team can be described as struggling, so maybe this will be a nice boost and they can go on a little run here. The big boys are playing well, so it is time for some depth contribution. Expect McLeod to make his NHL debut Friday October 30th against the Washington Capitals.

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