5 New Jersey Devils Players With Biggest Question Marks Heading Into Next Season

Michael McLeod

We won’t address the elephant in the room. That will make itself known in due time. Let’s assume Michael McLeod is going into this season as a full participant. He still has a laundry list of question marks surrounding his on-ice play.

McLeod was incredible in the playoffs. He had six points in 12 games, was a physical presence on every shift, and he was one of the only players that didn’t wilt in the Carolina Hurricanes series. In the Devils one win against the Canes, McLeod scored a momentum-changing shorthanded goal. He also scored the first goal, the game winner, in Game 7 of the New York Rangers series.

However, that was the playoffs. McLeod was good at what he was good at (faceoffs and hits) during the regular seasons. That does have a limited impact, but it’s an impact Coach Ruff prioritizes. The negotiation process told a very interesting story, with the Devils giving McLeod just one year before they have to negotiate again.

Clearly, the Devils are asking playoff McLeod to show up on a more consistent basis. He had 26 points in 80 games last season. That breaks down to one point every three to four games. He needs to do more offensively to keep up.