McLeod's scoring is almost nonexistent, but he certainly knows how to throw his body around. In 48 games between the Predators and Rangers last season, he racked up 131 hits and 111 penalty minutes to go with four points. McLeod's best-case scenario after re-upping with New York for one year is a fourth-line role, but there's a good chance the 34-year-old winger fails to earn a consistent spot in the lineup with the team looking to develop its youngsters.
A true punisher from the left wing, McLeod spent parts of 10 seasons with the Avalanche before his trade to the Predators in January of 2017. He’s only cracked the 20-point plateau once in his career, but GM David Poile didn't bring him in to play a significant offensive role. In fact, he averaged a mere 8:20 of ice time in Smashville, but along with it came 150 hits for an astounding rate of 21.33 per 60 minutes of play. Unfortunately, McLeod’s fantasy value is fleeting, and the team’s offseason acquisition of Scott Hartnell -- a gritty forward who can also score -- could render the former useless in any setting that doesn't yield dividends for the rough stuff.
McLeod is mostly known for his aggressive checking, registering 83 PIM and 106 hits in just 48 games last season. He did show a scoring touch late in the year, tallying five goals in the team's last seven games. Don't expect that sort of goal streak this year, but you can expect a winger who scores 20 points and adds at least 150 PIMs and the same number of hits. He will skate with John Mitchell and Patrick Bordeleau on the Avs' fourth line.
Though not a prolific scorer (19 points in 146 games over the past two seasons), McLeod's fantasy value lies in the PIM category, having finished fifth in the league in that category last season with 164. After agreeing to a three-year contract extension in June, McLeod will likely reprise his enforcer role next season with the Avs.
McLeod provides a gritty, physical presence from the Avs' third line. He led the Avs with 138 penalty minutes last season, which put him top-20 in the NHL in that category. He also chipped in with 18 points (7G, 11A), making him a good combination of points and PIM's for fantasy purposes. If he ever hit the 30-point plateau, he'd be a solid draft candidate in medium to deeper leagues.
McLeod caught the Avs by surprise last season, as his 15 goals was third-best on the team. He was also one of just five NHL players to have at least 15 goals and 150 penalty minutes, and led the Avs in hits (194, 22nd in the league). In fantasy terms, he's a decent choice in deeper leagues if you're looking for some G's and A's to go along with your PIM's.
McLeod plays a very physical style but is limited in the offensive zone. He will return to his role of checking-line winger this year. Good for racking up PIM's, he is a one-dimensional fantasy pick.
