One of the top forwards eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft is on the shelf.

Mississauga Steelheads forward Michael McLeod underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a small meniscus tear Tuesday and is expected to miss the next three weeks.

“McLeod was trending up before this injury occurred and was really making a name for himself as someone who should be included as a top-10 candidate,” said Future Considerations head Eastern scout Daniel Deschenes.

“He was making an impact on the Steelheads top line at both ends of the rink and continued to get better with each viewing this season. McLeod was leading his team night in and night out and never took a back seat.”

McLeod is 11th in Future Considerations’ February ranking for the 2016 NHL Draft.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound center sustained the injury during a game against the Barrie Colts on Feb. 6. It had originally been reported McLeod would miss the remainder of the season.

“He’s a treat to watch and the Steelheads draft eligible trio of McLeod-Nylander-Bastian was exciting to see live and were a combination that made you take notice,” Deschenes said. “Selfishly, I was really excited to see him lead his team down the stretch.”

He has 19 goals and 56 points in 50 games this season.