WHERE ARE THEY NOW? CODY MCLEOD
Jul 7, 2026Like many NHL players, Cody McLeod’s path took him through the AHL. McLeod, who was more likely to make his way on to the score sheet with penalty minutes than with points, still managed to play 775 NHL games across 12 seasons.
“I had to compete,” said McLeod. “My numbers offensively were never great, but I'd like to think that I played the game hard and honest and stuck up for my teammates.”
Sticking up for teammates was McLeod’s calling card. As his professional career wound down, the Iowa Wild signed him not only to protect young players, but also to help them grow.
“At first, I thought it was just going to be one year,” said McLeod. “I loved helping young guys develop and mentoring other players.”
While McLeod was never explicitly asked to serve as extension of the Minnesota Wild’s player development staff, he did mention his interest in the field to Brad Bombardir (Minnesota’s Senior Director of Player Development). McLeod went on to play three seasons in total, eventually serving as captain in 2021-22.
“I always knew I wanted to stay in the game in some capacity,” said McLeod. “As an older guy, I looked back and remembered some of the older players who showed me the ropes. I realized that’s what I wanted to do, and I got the opportunity.”
After retiring, McLeod joined the Minnesota Wild as player development coach, a role that carries many responsibilities
“The best part of the job is that you're still around the game,” said McLeod. “You're still working with the guys and traveling quite a bit. You get to seeing different arenas and leagues, whether it's college, junior, or professional hockey.”
While McLeod says he has enjoyed the transition and Minnesota’s development group, the new position also came with challenges.
“I had to get used to booking my travel,” said McLeod “All the flights and car rentals, going to places that I've never been, which is part of the excitement, too. Another difficulty was getting to learn the computer. I hadn’t really done too much of that while playing, but I’m getting better at it.”
Minnesota’s development staff travels frequently out of necessity. Prospects are located around North America & Europe, and the relationship between team and player begins at the draft.
“We get right after it,” said McLeod. “We hold our development camp right after the draft. Whether they come to camp in Minnesota or play in junior or college, we're boots on the ground. We're watching their games, sitting down with them, and going over what their coach is preaching to them.”
The development staff works to align with each player’s coach to make sure a prospect hears a consistent message.
“You don’t want to overload them with information,” said McLeod. “At the same time, you want them to be prepared to play in Minnesota and Iowa when the time comes. The coaches we work with have been great in that regard.”
Every prospect’s ultimate goal is to reach the NHL, and team staff frequently says that the road to Minnesota goes through Des Moines.
“I love Des Moines,” said McLeod. “It's a great American Hockey League city and they treat the players and staff awesome. It's kind of a hidden gem. When you think of Iowa, you just think of cold winters or whatever it may be, but it's a great place to play and they've had a good track record of producing NHL players.”
Before and after arriving in Iowa, prospects hear a consistent message. It’s one that McLeod embodied during his playing days and continues to communicate in his current role.
“One of the top things we preach to our guys is to compete,” said McLeod. “Every player in the NHL competes. Whether you’re a first line or a fourth line player, it’s the same message. Some nights you might not have your best stuff, but if you compete, you're going to make an impact on the game.”