I think this is a very interesting trade, as minor as the pieces are. McLeod knows he is done when his contract is up. Give the man a shot at the cup, I think he is value-neutral in the regular season but the added bonus comes in the form of grit and leadership needed for the playoffs.
Avs fans/posters know I'm an outspoken opponent of McLeod's on Avs boards, but in a limited role even I admit it looked like McLeod had something to give as recently as the beginning of the season. And no one on the team has looked good since then (or before, really
).
Don't really care what's coming back, going to the AHL. Not expecting anything from the return. Best wishes for McLeod, a team player through and through.