Canadian forward Michael MacLeod has signed a contract with Astana “Barys” reports the press service of the hockey club.
The one-sided agreement with the 26-year-old is for one season.
MacLeod was chosen “New Jersey” in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in the first round with the 12th pick and has since played 287 games in the North American League, scoring 85 points (29 goals and 56 assists). In his last NHL season with the Devils, the Canadiens scored 10 goals and had 9 assists in 45 regular season games.
MacLeod’s NHL career had previously been put on hold due to a trial in which five young Canadian hockey players were accused of sexual assault, including the forward.
“We are pleased to fill the deficit position with a player of this level. MacLeod has been a successful player for the New Jersey Devils over the past four seasons, contributing on both ends of the ice and leading the NHL in faceoffs won. Anticipating questions about the proceedings related to his participation in Canada, I would like to say that Michael has not admitted his guilt and will defend his interests in court. We wish to refrain from any further comments. Now, first of all, we see MacLeod as the first center capable of becoming not only the leader of Barys, but also one of the most recognizable players in the entire KHL,” said the club’s general manager Oleg Bolyakin.
The new KHL season starts on September 3, in the first game of the season on September 4, Barys will host Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.
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Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
