Interest in Michael McLeod turns messy with latest update

The Carolina Hurricanes have been linked to Michael McLeod with reports saying he could be added to their bottom-six forward group, but it appears the move will not take place.

Reports surfaced last month suggesting McLeod was close to signing in Carolina. However, insider Chris Johnston first cautioned against viewing the deal as imminent, noting the organization has faced pushback since news of its interest leaked.

“There were reports last month that McLeod would sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, but this week, a league source cautioned against viewing that as a done deal in light of the pushback the organization has received since word of their interest leaked,” Johnston wrote.

Then later on Thursday, both Johnston and Frank Seravalli revealed that the Hurricanes will not sign McLeod. The same goes for goalie Carter Hart.

“The Hurricanes showed interest in bottom-six forward Michael McLeod and goaltender Carter Hart in recent weeks but couldn’t “get to something both sides would be comfortable with.”

“League sources say the differences weren’t related to potential compensation in the deal,” added Johnston.

McLeod is a bottom-six center who brings speed, faceoff ability, and depth scoring. In his most recent season with New Jersey in 2023–24, he set a career high with 10 goals in 45 games. Over six seasons and 287 regular-season NHL games, he has recorded 29 goals and 85 points, and 164 penalty minutes.

He, along with Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote, was acquitted earlier this summer of charges stemming from a June 2018 incident at a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. After months of uncertainty, the group became eligible to sign contracts beginning October 15, with NHL action resuming for them on December 1.

The Hurricanes had reportedly monitored both McLeod and Hart. Hart is now expected to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights with rumours hinting at a two-year deal worth around $5 million.

As for McLeod, it looks like it’s back to square one.