Former New Jersey Devils players Michael McLeod and Cal Foote were recently acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in 2018 afte a Hockey Canada event. Three other former Team Canada members were also acquitted.
McLeod and Foote both took "leave of absences" from the New Jersey Devils in January 2024 because they were required to surrender themselves to the London Police Service due to the pending charges. All five players happened to be free agents in 2024, and none were given contracts.
With the recent news that all five players were found "not guilty," some people are pushing for the Devils to reunite with McLeod. From a hockey standpoint, he had 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 45 games played during the 2023-24 season. He also posted the best face-off numbers in the league, winning 424 face-offs with a 65% face-off win percentage. However, a McLeod reunion seems unlikely.
1. He's currently ineligible to sign with a team
Shorty after the verdict, the NHL released the following statement:
"The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing, and the behavior at issue was unacceptable. We will be reviewing and considering the judge’s findings. While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the League."NHL's official statement
The NHLPA released their statement expressing its displeasure with the NHL's decision:
"Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod were acquitted of all charges by Justice Carroccia of the Ontario Superior Court. After missing more than a full season of their respective NHL careers, they should now have the opportunity to return to work. The NHL’s declaration that the Players are ‘ineligible’ to play pending its further analysis of the Court’s findings is inconsistent with the discipline procedures set forth in the CBA. We are addressing this dispute with the League and will have no further comment at this time."NHLPA's statement
Even though the NHLPA will vouch for the players and fight the NHL's decision, McLeod and the other players are still ineligible to play as of this writing. With the NHL reviewing the entire case and the NHLPA trying to overturn the league's decision, it will likely take some time before there's a final decision. It won't be solved within days or even weeks, presumably. It would be shocking if the players are deemed eligible before the start of the season.
2. Tom Fitzgerald might not want to bring back McLeod
Even though McLeod and the players won't face criminal punishment, it might not matter in the eyes of the Devils or the public. McLeod's actions drew a lot of scrutiny. It was a PR nightmare for many involved, including the Devils.
Tom Fitzgerald might see the case and its consequences as a distraction, something the Devils definitely don't need right now. This hypothetical decision might require approval from the Devils' owners, captain, and veteran players. Considering the backlash the organization could face if this happens, the few positives certainly don't outweigh the negatives. Only time will tell if the players are ever reinstated, but McLeod's possible second chance won't be with the Devils.