- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Devils’ Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian on same path
- Updated: July 18, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. — It’s not often junior-hockey linemates have a chance to play together in the NHL.
Center Michael McLeod and right wing Nathan Bastian of Mississauga of the Ontario Hockey League could have that opportunity after they were chosen by the New Jersey Devils at the 2016 NHL Draft.
“After I was drafted I talked to [New] Jersey and asked if they were going to take Nathan, and they said, ‘We’ll see,'” said McLeod, who was selected with the No. 12 pick. “On the second day of the draft we were counting down the picks and then New Jersey was up and selected [Bastian at No. 41]. It was crazy because me and Nathan are really good friends.
“We played on the same line the last two years and it’s been a good journey with him. If we get the chance to play in the NHL together, that would be something.”
McLeod and Bastian, each 18, were on the ice together again at Devils development camp at Barnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center. Among their highlights was McLeod scoring the decisive goal in a shootout to lead Team Scott Stevens to a victory in the four-team 3-on-3 tournament on the second day of camp.
It wasn’t by design or plan, but simply coincidence that McLeod and Bastian happened to fall where they were drafted by the Devils.
“From all accounts, their chemistry starts with their friendship off the ice,” NHL Central Scouting’s Matt Ryan said. “Their trust and mutual respect that they have for each other, along with their respective skill sets, allows them to play an unselfish and creative brand of hockey. Michael utilizes his speed and skill to create time and space for himself, and Nathan has the skill and physical attributes to get to open areas, which allows both of them to …
continue reading in source devils.nhl.com
