The Edmonton Oilers have traded forward Ryan McLeod to the Buffalo Sabres. The Oilers are acquiring Ty Tullio and Matt Savoie in return.
The Edmonton Oilers Have Traded Ryan McLeod to Buffalo
Ryan McLeod is being traded from Edmonton to Buffalo
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2024
McLeod scored 12 goals and recorded 18 assists in 81 games for the Oilers last season. In 24 playoff games, McLeod scored four goals, including three of which goals came in the Stanley Cup Final as the Oilers fought to erase a 3-0 series deficit. McLeod has one year left on the contract he signed with the Oilers before last season. However, McLeod was looking at a possible fourth-line role after the Oilers re-signed Adam Henrique and signed Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner.
Trade Has Big Cap Implications
Trading McLeod clears his $2.1 million cap hit for this upcoming season. The Oilers have been spending to the cap to remain contenders in the Western Conference. However, star forward Leon Draisaitl is due for a new contract after this coming season. Furthermore, the reigning Conn Smythe winner, Connor McDavid, is due for a new contract in two seasons. Draisaitl and McDavid are generational talents and have been the centre-pieces to the Oilers consistently reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It is unlikely the team will let either one of them leave.
McLeod’s Role in Buffalo
Going from the Stanley Cup Final to Buffalo is certainly going to be an adjustment for McLeod. The Sabres are no where near ready to compete for a playoff spot. However, McLeod will most likely get a top-nine spot on the forward lines. A productive season could make McLeod trade bait for the Sabres at the trade deadline. McLeod could find himself right back on a contender.
Furthermore, as an upcoming free agent, a strong season will earn McLeod attention in the free agent market. Centres were a hot commodity in this year’s free agent class. McLeod could play himself back onto a contender and could play himself into a nice contract this summer.
Who Wins this Trade?
Both teams win this trade as both teams get something they need. The Oilers clear some cap space as they look at re-signing their stars. The Sabres get someone who can play on their top-nine and who could be traded for draft capital. The teams are in different places right now, but this trade has the potential to benefit both teams.
Main photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
