Mixed feelings on this one.
I've loved the Highlander since his first camp. He's played on some terrible AVs teams but I've never accused him of dogging it. He's given an incredible amount of work ethic and heart to this team and on the few occasions he scores a goal, man the sheer joy on his face is usually only matched by those on the face of his team-mates. It's a shame his skills have always been limited but to have had this long of an NHL career after being undrafted is pretty special. If you could have his drive and heart placed in players like Duchene, Landy, Barrie and MacKinnon this team wouldn't be the mess it is.
Anyways, I wish him the best of luck in Nashville. Going to be pretty easy to adopt the Preds as my western conference team to cheer for during the playoffs this year.
Also, Joe did the right thing here. I don't get some of the whining that goes on around here...retention of salary that will not in any way impact the team next season while adding what appears to be a fairly solid 3rd line center to stabilize the AHL club in order to give your longest tenured player a chance to fight for the playoffs and maybe even go on a run...Good stuff. I would question the move only if the salary was going to be an issue or if it was likely that someone would actually give up a true asset for McLeod..which at this point doesn't seem likely.