3 Possible Free Agent Destinations For Michael McLeod

The former New Jersey Devils third line center Michael McLeod is a free agent and will be looking for an opportunity to return to the NHL. It likely won't be with the Devils, but given the 27-year-old ability to be a shutdown center on the third line that a team needs, there should be interest.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have a relatively young team and need to do more to get back into the playoffs. They traded JJ Peterka and got back Josh Doan as a forward replacement. That isn't equal at this time and the only other forward addition was Justin Danforth. Bringing in McLeod to play with his brother could be something that actually happens. The fourth line looks somewhat weak and McLeod is extremely good at faceoffs. The Sabres have had no problem scoring at 5-on-5 as they have the most goals in the league there over the past three seasons, but team defense needs to improve. McLeod would help immensely with that.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators need center options, especially if Steven Stamkos is going to play on the wing. McLeod would be joining former Devils teammate, Erik Haula, who was acquired by the Predators this offseason already. This isn't the top-6 center the Predators need, but without drafting better options and not doing much to help the forward group this summer, McLeod would make them better. The Predators would be better with players like Cole Smith and Michael McCarron playing less and being bumped down.

Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth brought in a few additions to the roster this offseason. It was nothing crazy other than Peterka. But looking at the bottom-6, it still needs help. McLeod should be able to put up sneaky offensive numbers as he was on pace for 18 goals and 36 points while he was 65% in the faceoff circle and had over 100 hits. He is an upgrade to Jack McBain, who could be moved over to the wing. Someone like Liam O'Brien should not be an everyday player, and the projected lineup says otherwise right now without another body in that forward group.