Why Carolina Hurricanes’ pursuit of controversial free agent angers some fans
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fan backlash grows over rumored McLeod signing despite not-guilty verdict.
- McLeod offers faceoff strength, but team's culture concerns fuel public debate.
- Added faceoff strength and position need fuel debate as Canes weigh potential signing.
If the Carolina Hurricanes are truly interested in signing scandal-tainted free agent Michael McLeod, a vocal portion of their fan base will be unhappy.
A growing number of Hurricanes fans hope that’s not an option, using social media to express their displeasure and some saying they called the team to say they could cancel season-ticket plans if the former New Jersey Devils center was signed by the team.
McLeod, 27, was one of five players charged in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case. The five — McLeod, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Dillon Dube — were all acquitted this past July in a London, Ontario, court.
The players, who were members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, were reinstated by the NHL. But the league then ruled they could not sign with any team until Oct. 15 and would be unable to play in games until Dec. 1.
“In relying on both our own investigation, and the conclusions reached by Justice (Maria) Carroccia in her opinion, and the players’ acquittal, the league has determined that the conduct at issue falls woefully short of the standards and values that the league and its member clubs expect and demand,” a release from the NHL read following the court ruling.
“The league expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity,” the release continued. “And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard.”
The News & Observer has confirmed through sources that the Hurricanes do have interest in McLeod, a former first-round pick of the Devils.
But does “interest” result in a signing?
Canes mum on possible additions
Canes general manager Eric Tulsky has not commented on the situation as the Canes have worked through preseason camp and their exhibition schedule, taking a 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period first posted on X last week of an “expectation” McLeod would join the Hurricanes this season, basing it on sources.
There have since been media reports that the Canes could show interest in Hart, the former Philadelphia Flyers goalie, also a free agent. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere has confirmed the Flyers would not re-sign Hart, 27, who has 227 games of NHL experience and a 96-93-27 overall record.
Some Canes fans strongly object to any potential signing of either McLeod or Hart, saying it’s not in line with the team culture emphasized by ownership, management, coaches and players. One petition — “Urge Carolina Hurricanes to Reject Acquitted Team Canada Players” — posted on Change.org has 1,200 signees.
“It’s just the why of it all,” said Patty Jasper, a former Apex resident now living in Oak Island. “There’s such a swirl around them. I mean, I understand they’ve been acquitted, but there were plenty of things that happened that led up to them being charged. If we’re looking at the Hurricanes as an organization with culture that believes in having good people besides being good players ...
“There are a lot of people who are upset about this. I cannot support this.”
Jasper and her husband, Todd, had season tickets for 25 years, she said. With their move to the coast, they plan to attend about 15 games this season.
“I don’t know that the Hurricanes need to bring either of them on board,” Jasper said Thursday in an interview. “If character counts so much for the Hurricanes, why are we doing this? It doesn’t make sense to me. I believe there’s redemption, I believe there’s second chances. I don’t see any remorse. ...
“I don’t think the Canes need this attention. This is a bridge too far.”
While there are strong objections, other fans have differing opinions on the topic.
Jake B. of the Triangle, who asked that his full name not be used, has posted on social media.. His opinion is that the players were found innocent and are looking for an opportunity play. Hart, in particular, could help the Canes, he said through direct messaging.
Michael McLeod’s hockey resume
McLeod was taken 12th overall by the Devils in the 2016 NHL draft. In six seasons with the Devils, he played 287 regular-season games, scoring 29 goals and adding 56 assists, and faced off against the Canes in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs and had a shorthanded goal in the series won by Carolina.
McLeod had 10 goals and nine assists in 45 games 2023-24, his last NHL action. He spent last season in the KHL, playing with Barys Astana and Avangard Omsk in the Russian league.
One strength of McLeod’s game has been his ability to win faceoffs. His career NHL percentage is 58.3, and he won 65% of his draws in 2023-24.
The Canes have lacked a right-shot center since the departure of Vincent Trocheck of July 2022, when he signed a free-agent deal with the New York Rangers.
Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour was asked Wednesday, not specifically about McLeod, but about the value of having a dependable right-shot center in the lineup.
“It’s crucial, especially on puck possession, D-zone faceoffs,” Brind’Amour said. “It’s a massive advantage if you go over and look at lefties on the left dot versus righties on the left dot, just the percentages, league-wide, it’s a big disparity.
“A lot of teams have lefties, righties on each line and never have that issue. It’s something we haven’t had for a long time. But if you can have it and somebody’s good at it … I’m not sure how many puck possessions every game, but if you add them up over the course of a year it adds up.”
The Hurricanes have been auditioning winger Logan Stankoven at center during the preseason. He played in tghe preseason opener, a 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay.
The Canes have Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Mark Jankowski available at the center position. All are lefties. The Canes want and need a righty.
This story was originally published September 25, 2025 at 12:52 PM.
