Michael McLeod, a member of Canada’s 2018 junior team recently cleared of sexual assault charges, has inked a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) based in Russia. The signing was confirmed by Omsk on Thursday through a post on the social media platform X.
McLeod, along with Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, faced allegations of sexual assault following an incident with a woman after a 2018 gala celebrating the Canadian world junior team’s gold medal. McLeod also faced an additional charge of being complicit in the offense. However, all five players were acquitted on July 24 after a trial in London, Ont.
Although the players are currently not under NHL contracts and are suspended until December 1, the league has allowed them to sign with a team starting October 15 while awaiting full reinstatement.
McLeod, Dube, Foote, and Hart are unrestricted free agents, while Formenton is a restricted free agent with the Ottawa Senators holding his rights. The Senators have confirmed that Formenton will not be returning to the team. Additionally, the Philadelphia Flyers have announced that Hart will not be extending his contract with the franchise, as per his agent.
Originally from Mississauga, Ont., McLeod’s most recent NHL stint was with the New Jersey Devils. He took an indefinite leave on January 24, 2024, before turning himself in to authorities in London. Last season, he split his time between Omsk and Barys Astana in the KHL.
Meanwhile, Formenton is currently playing for the Swiss team Ambri-Piotta Hockey Club.
