Photo of Wyatt McLeod

Photo credit: Montreal Hockey Fanatics

We have news to report involving a player from the Montreal Canadiens’ affiliates.

To finalize the move, the team placed the 26-year-old left-shot defenseman on the suspended list, an administrative procedure required to remove him from the lineup.

“The Trois-Rivières Lions have placed defenseman Wyatt Mcleod on the suspended list in order to remove him from the active roster.

He will be leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities in Europe.

Thank you for your time Wyatt!”

– Lions

The destination is confirmed: McLeod is leaving North America to continue his professional career in Europe.

Let’s be honest, this is a significant loss for the stability of the Lions’ defensive corps.

A native of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, he played more than 100 games in a Trois-Rivières uniform, collecting 34 points along the way.

He had become a familiar and reliable presence for fans in the Mauricie region since last season.

A key contributor to the Trois-Rivières Lions’ recent championship run

McLeod’s legacy in Trois-Rivières will remain tied to the fact that he was an integral part of the team that lifted the Kelly Cup last season.

His performance during the most recent playoffs was nothing short of defensively dominant.

In 21 playoff games, he posted an impressive +21 rating, which was the best mark in the entire league.

That’s the kind of statistic that proves a player’s value when the stakes are at their highest.

The organization took the time to thank the defenseman for his dedication and commitment before he heads off to this new challenge.

That’s the reality of ECHL hockey: overseas opportunities are often hard to turn down for players in their mid-twenties.

We wish him the very best of success as he continues his career on European ice.

This means a player is now departing the Montreal Canadiens’ organizational depth chart.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics

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