Seven former NHLers mysteriously get their KHL contracts terminated

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Axel Williams
October 17, 2024 (4:00 PM)

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In a move that many feel is completely out of left field in the KHL, seven former NHLers have had their contracts mysteriously terminated by Barys Astana.

Michael McLeod is one of five men who were charged with alleged sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident involving Team Canada's 2018 World Juniors team. With a trial pending, McLeod and his co-defendant Dillon Dube both decided to sign with Barys Astana. McLeod was one of the seven stars who had his contract taken away from him. Although Dube remains on the team.

Essentially, the team cut almost all of its imported players. These seven players either came from Canada or the United States and had some form of NHL experience. Simply put, it was a move that many feel doesn't really make sense for the health of the team.

"Hearing this afternoon KHL club Barys Astana has cleaned house of its import players, terminating contracts of several players including F Wade Allison, D Nathan Beaulieu, D Will Butcher, F Chase De Leo, D Alex Grant, F Michael McLeod & F CJ Smith.

Possible we see some of those aforementioned players returning to the AHL this season, but certainly a surprising development that a team would terminate so many contracts early in the season."

Considering the allegations against McLeod, it may be a while before he gets an opportunity anywhere else. Having said that, this is a developing story and we will be sure to keep you up to speed.

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