Last July, the Buffalo Sabres made a bold bet, trading for Ryan McLeod. At the time, it was risky but now, it looks like a home run. McLeod has blossomed in Buffalo, and now he’s due for a new contract that reflects his breakout season. The Sabres traded top prospect Matt Savoie to the Oilers for Ryan McLeod . Before we dive into what Ryan McLeod’s next contract could be with the Sabres, lets take a look at how the trade worked out with both teams.
Time for the Trade in Review
The Sabres goal last offseason was to find a young, third-line centre that could step in and play a two way game. Ryan McLeod had just come off a Stanley Cup Final run with the Edmonton Oilers and checked all those boxes. Ryan McLeod was the fourth-line centre on the Oilers. However, he looked like he could contribute more with increased opportunity. That he absolutely did, notching career highs in goals (20), assists (33), and time on ice (16:50), and more in 2024-25.
His two-way play for a third-line centre, was more than ideal. The Sabres took a swing going after Ryan McLeod. The result, a knock out of the park, and a clear, third-line centre pending a contract extension this offseason.
As for the Oilers, it’s hard to tell now how they’re fairing on this trade. They’re in the Western Conference final once again this year, without McLeod. If McLeod could have had a similar year in Edmonton as he had in Buffalo, Edmonton might be favoured to win the cup. However, it’s clear McLeod wasn’t going to get that opportunity on the Oilers.
The Oilers also knew McLeod was due for a new contract this offseason, and the Oilers are strapped for cash. Afterall, they just paid Draisaitl. McDavid also needs a new contract, and those two together will be close to 30 million a year when it’s all said and done. Paying what was their fourth-line centre would not be a smart financial decision with money needing to go to other places. So, they found a cheap, young prospect in Savoie.
As for Matt Savoie, he played in four NHL games this season. With one assist, not much to show for it, yet. We don’t think the Oilers would have gone through with the trade if they knew Savoie would only play four games in the NHL. And his AHL stats aren’t jaw dropping either.
In 66 games with the Bakersfield Condors, Savoie had 19 goals, 35 assists, for 54 points. That puts him with one more point in the AHL than McLeod had in the NHL. Savoie is still 21 years old, and could develop into a nice piece for the Oilers. But it’s clear trading for him is not helping them win right now in the pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
In review, McLeod has been a dream for the Sabres. Savoie has potential to be good for the Oilers. It hurts for the Oilers to be without a solid depth piece in the playoffs, but it could pay off for them in the long run. Only time will tell.
What’s Next for a Ryan McLeod Contract Chat
McLeod is a pending restricted free agent for the Sabres. And they will be keen to keep him around. The 25-year-old is reliable, a strong, two-way player, and has played all but three games over the past two regular seasons.
More importantly, McLeod wants to be in Buffalo. A rare sentiment in the current landscape of the NHL. McLeod has had opportunity all up and down the lineup throughout the season. Seeing minutes on all lines, in all situations. He is the perfect utility player that the Sabres need on a long-term deal.
For McLeod’s next contract, anything from five to eight years would be ideal. If you can offer him more term for a cheaper annual average value, the Sabres should take that chance. However, something around five years seems more probable. Either way, the Sabres are locking in a valuable core piece entering his prime.
Our Prediction: Five Years, $26 Million ($5.2 AAV).
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