Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: Three Players To Watch After COVID Pause

By Vincent Parise

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 16: Michael McLeod #20 of the New Jersey Devils skates during a stop in play against the Boston Bruins at Prudential Center on January 16, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the game is played without fans. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 16: Michael McLeod #20 of the New Jersey Devils skates during a stop in play against the Boston Bruins at Prudential Center on January 16, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the game is played without fans. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils Mike McLeod
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

player. 85. . C. New Jersey Devils. Michael McLeod. 20

The most pessimistic fans of the New Jersey Devils wrote off Michael McLeod a long time ago. Even some of the more mindful Devils fans were starting to do the same going into this season. He was only 22 but he showed no sign of ever belonging in the NHL on a full-term basis until this year. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft and some people can’t seem to get over it. He is a fourth-line guy now who can relish in that role if he is put with the right players.

Getting a star at pick 11 is far from guaranteed but even getting a full-time NHL isn’t guaranteed. You should get one but it is by no means a lock. McLeod probably isn’t going to be a star but if he is a really good fourth-line center then New Jersey is set with Hughes and Hischeir taking care of the position in the top-six. He has been really good to start this season and we have to hope it continues.

An experimental line of Miles Wood and Nathan Bastian on McLeod’s wings has been really fun to watch. It has resulted in McLeod looking like a pretty good NHL player. Now, he needs to keep it going otherwise he is going to be passed by other prospects in the organization. He has three goals and one assist for four points in nine games so far. If this player (and line) can keep bringing energy, physicality, and a bit of offense to the table, their forward group is looking really nice.

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