Two Devils take indefinite leaves of absence

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th January, 14:06 2024

Jan 13, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) moves the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils have placed forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote on indefinite leaves of absence at their request, the club announced Wednesday.

The team statement said the Devils would have "no further comment at this time" and did not elaborate on the players' reasons for their requests.

McLeod has played in 45 games this season, contributing 10 goals and nine assists. Foote has appeared in just four games with one assist.

McLeod, 25, was selected by the Devils with the 12th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft. In 287 career games, he has tallied 85 points (29 goals, 56 assists).

His 15:08 average ice time this season is a career high, and two of his five game-winning goals have come this season.

Playing on a $1.4 million deal, he will become an unrestricted free agent before next season.

Foote, 25, was the 14th overall selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 draft, with whom he played from 2020-23 before being traded on Feb. 26, 2023, to the Nashville Predators.

Foote signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with the Devils as a free agent on Aug 9. He will become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

The Devils did not immediately announce any corresponding moves. They next play on Thursday at the Carolina Hurricanes.

—Field Level Media

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