The Devils used their first pick on Michael McLeod. A center who wants the puck on his stick. He drives the net with reckless abandon. Strong hands, great feet and body position lets him turn the corner wide on defenders. Relentless and determined in puck pursuit. Has great edging and keeps the pins going in all phases of the play. A terrific passer who puts it on his linemates sticks while in stride. Sees the ice well and has game breaking ability. Soft hands and a strong wrist shot and release, and its will improve as he gets more muscle. A big playmaking centre who can take a game over with his dominant speed. Will need to fill out.
McLeod is considered to be one of the fastest skaters in the 2016 draft class. He’s a two-way forward with good size (6-2, 185), intelligence and the capability to play in all situations. He had six power-play goals, four shorthanded goals and won 58.0 percent of his faceoffs. McLeod is strong along the wall in battles for pucks and knows how to get to the net in the offensive zone. Mcleod scored 21 goals and 40 assists 61 points for Mississauga Steelheads of OHL.
“The Jersey feels amazing,” McLeod said at the post-draft interview. After every pick your heart racing. I model my game after Ryan Kessell of Anaheim Ducks. I grew up watching Jason Spezza and Jarome Iginla…