McLeod (6-foot-2, 188 pounds), chosen in the first round (No. 12) of the 2016 NHL Draft, had an inauspicious start to last season when he missed six weeks after surgery to repair a torn meniscus Oct. 12. He injured his left knee in a preseason game against the New York Islanders on Sept. 25.
After a rehab stint with Devils trainers, the 20-year-old right-shot center was returned to Mississauga of the Ontario Hockey League for a fourth season.
In January, McLeod played for Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in an unfamiliar checking-line role, and had four points (one goal, three assists) to help them win a gold medal. He gained experience playing big minutes on the penalty kill and winning key face-offs.
"I think I just showed a different part of my game that very well could be the role I play in the NHL, so it was a pretty important tournament for me," McLeod said. "On face-offs, it's quickness and strength, and sometimes creativity, with lifting their stick to get the puck back."