Michael McLeod
Michael McLeod is a player we’re all rooting to finally find his place on the NHL team, but things just haven’t worked out. The former 1st-round pick still hasn’t scored a goal in 33 games played. He only has five points in those games. He plays a really fine one-way game, but for a 1st-round center’s one way to be a defensive game, it’s not exactly a stroke of confidence.
Unlike the other players on this list, McLeod wanted the season to continue because he just needs to show he can do something. He’s playing on the fourth line with Kevin Rooney and John Hayden, so he’s not exactly given the best chance to score goals, but he’s not doing himself any favors.
His CF% at 5v5 is a paltry 43.81, but his high-danger chance percentage is a little more respectable 45.45%. His advanced stats and the eye test show a player who is tentative despite immense skill. He’s always one of the fastest players on the ice, but hasn’t figured out how to turn that into points.
McLeod only played 10 minutes per game. With the lack of other talent on the time, McLeod had a chance to play in different places in the lineup. The Devils were going to find where he might fit in next year’s lineup, but now it’s more than likely he’s going to start next season in Binghamton if he’s not able to finish this season.