Former fan favorite with Leafs and Blue Jackets organizations passes away at just 38 years old

Journeyman AHL forward Wade MacLeod has tragically passed away at just 38 years old following a long, courageous battle with brain cancer.

MacLeod was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer over a decade ago in 2013 after he was hit in a game playing for the Springfield Falcons, then the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Doctors removed a golf-ball-sized non-cancerous tumor from the left side of his brain, and he lost the ability to speak. Still, MacLeod's passion for the game never wavered and he continued playing professional hockey despite not being able to speak and while undergoing aggressive treatments.

While playing in Germany during the 2018 season MacLeod suffered a series of seizures that looked to end his career. He made a miraculous comeback in 2021 though, playing in the UK for the EIHL's Manchester Storm. Unfortunately for him, that comeback was halted after just 7 games due to his deteriorating health. Still, the man's strength, determination and sheer fearlessness must be applauded. He was a hockey player through and through, as tough as they come.

McLeod leaves behind his wife Karly and their two young daughters.

“No matter how many times he’s knocked down, he’ll get up again and go for it,” Karly said back in 2019 when MacLeod was preparing for his comeback. “We did this once before and we can do it again,” she said. “Cancer will never break us.”

RIP Wade MacLeod. Your strength and your spirit will live on to inspire others forever.