Michael McLeod, one of the players acquitted in Hockey Canada sexual assault case, signs in the KHL

By Canadian Press on October 9, 2025.

Michael McLeod, one of the five players acquitted of sexual assault charges in the Hockey Canada case, has signed a contract to stay in the Russia-based KHL.

McLeod signed a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk, the team announced Thursday. The 27-year-old played 19 regular-season games and nine more in the playoffs for them in 2024-25, after starting with 16 for Barys Astana.

McLeod was in his sixth NHL season with the New Jersey Devils when he and 2018 Canada world junior teammates Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were charged in January 2024. McLeod was also acquitted on a separate count of being a party to the offense.

The NHL announced last month the players would be eligible to sign contracts on Oct. 15 and could take part in games as of Dec. 1.

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The Associated Press