McLeod has become an essential piece to the puzzle that general manager Tom Fitzgerald is putting together.

The New Jersey Devils 2023-24 season has been filled with peaks and valleys. Entering the 2024 calendar year, the club sits sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 19-14-2, earning five wins in their last ten outings.

Over the past 35 games, the Devils have dealt with injuries to key players, struggled to find continued success on home ice, and, more often than not, have struggled to play a full 60-minute game.

However, there has been one consistent bright spot over the past few months of play: the performance of 25-year-old Michael McLeod.

His growth from the team's last season's playoff run to this season has been noticeable. Over the past few months, he took a significant step forward in his development. If you ask McLeod, he says his improved performance is because of one thing. Confidence.

"I think I got some confidence last year (during) playoffs," he said. "I think I took a step there. I know I want to get more comfortable making plays offensively, still being smart, knowing when to make those plays, and trying to keep being a reliable two-way center."

One area where McLeod continues to shine is in the face-off circle.

Entering the team's Dec. 30 game versus the Boston Bruins, McLeod ranked first in the NHL for overall face-off percentage (65.5. percent), ranked first for overall face-off percentage on the road (65.6 percent), and tied for first overall face-off percentage at home (65.3 percent).

"In almost every possible situation you see (McLeod) out there," said Ruff in December. "The overtime, the right-hand draws in the defensive zone, even sometimes we'll put him on his off-hand side. He's a guy that whether it's that initial drop on the penalty killing to a center-ice faceoff, he's one guy that does not take any time off on faceoffs."

"I think there's sentiment around the league that neutral zone faceoffs don't mean a lot," Ruff continued. "Every one means something to Michael and it's a great quality."

The Mississauga, Ontario native is on pace to have the best offensive season of his career. Through 35 games, he has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists). His career best is 26 points, which he achieved last season. In addition to goals and assists this season, he has been constantly praised for driving the play and being a net-front presence.

There were recent rumors that the organization was involved in trade talks regarding the center, but a team's spokesperson quickly denied those rumors via NJ Advance Media.

Whether it is taking the crucial faceoffs, contributing to the scoresheet, or playing a physical game (his 64 hits are tied for second-most on the team), McLeod has become an essential piece of the puzzle that general manager Tom Fitzgerald is putting together. Over the past few months, he has stepped up in the absence of his team's top centers and has consistently been one of the most reliable and noticeable players on the ice for New Jersey.

As Ruff previously said this season, Michael McLeod is a luxury for the Devils.