Michael McLeod, a member of Canada’s 2018 junior team who was recently cleared of sexual assault charges along with four other teammates, has inked a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) based in Russia.
Confirmation of McLeod’s signing was made by Omsk on Thursday through a post on the social media site X.
The allegations against McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart stemmed from an incident involving a woman following a 2018 gala celebrating the Canadian world junior team’s gold medal win. The trial took place in London, Ont., where all five players were acquitted on July 24.
Despite not being under NHL contracts, these players, who are currently serving suspensions from the league until December 1, have the green light to join a team starting October 15 while awaiting full reinstatement.
While Dube, Foote, and Hart are unrestricted free agents, Formenton, a restricted free agent, will not be returning to the Ottawa Senators as confirmed by the team. Additionally, Hart will not be extending his contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, according to his agent.
Hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, McLeod’s last NHL appearance was with New Jersey, before taking an indefinite leave on January 24, 2024, and later turning himself in to authorities in London. He split his recent season between Omsk and Barys Astana in the KHL.
Formenton is currently active with the Ambri-Piotta Hockey Club in Switzerland.