Twenty-four hours ago, enforcer Cody McLeod was dealt from the Colorado Avalanche to the Nashville Predators. On Saturday, he was in the mile-high city with his new team, filling the scoresheet and the spotlight.
The forward known more for his fists than his scoring touch was traded in a minor deal Friday that saw Felix Girard go the other way. The very next day, and on the very first faceoff, he was intent on making Colorado regret the decision.
After jostling with veteran superstar Jarome Iginla off said opening faceoff, McLeod later fought his former teammate early in the second period — McLeod’s ninth fight of the year. It was Iginla’s 1,515th career game, putting him one ahead of Steve Yzerman for 15th all-time.
As soon as McLeod got out of the box, he got on the board with a goal — just his second of the season and 67th of his career.
You know there was something extra in that celebratory fist pump.
McLeod, who had 12 fighting majors last season, leads the league in that category since last October.
The winger even had a tribute video made in his honour by the Avalanche. Plus, he got some time on the Predators’ first power play unit after spending just seven seconds on Colorado’s power play this season.
Best day ever?
And for his efforts? His teammates awarded him the “dog chain” for his stellar first Predators game against his old team.
McLeod went undrafted, joining the Avalanche in the 2007-08 season. He played parts of nine seasons in Colorado, accumulating 1,359 penalty minutes in 659 games.
The Predators won the game 3-2.