The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. It was a combination of staff writers and over 200 readers that ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2024. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player. Staff votes counted equally with reader votes.
Ryan McLeod
Drafted: 2021 – 2nd Round (40th Overall)
Position: Center
Born: Sept. 21, 1999 (24 years old)
2023-2024 Stats: NHL (EDM) – 12-18-30 in 81 GP
2023 T25U25 Ranking: N/A
The Sabres’ biggest offseason move was to acquire Ryan McLeod from the Edmonton Oilers for prospect Matt Savoie. Many thought the Sabres paid too much to acquire a 3rd line center as Savoie was one of their top offensive prospects. However, McLeod brings more to the table than a stereotypical 3rd line center.
McLeod is entering his 4th season as a full-time NHL player. Last season, he set career highs in goals, assists and points. Even though he set career highs, his scoring has been relatively consistent by putting up 21, 23, and 30 points, respectively, in his past three seasons. He’s likely to put up similar numbers while assuming a similar role for Buffalo. In addition to being the 3rd line center for the Oilers, he was one of their primary penalty killers.
McLeod is a true two-way center that combines a sound defensive game with solid offensive production. He is excellent on his edges, which helps him close gaps in the defensive zone while assisting him in the dirty areas of the offensive zone. When the opportunity arises, McLeod flashes above average hands and vision.
Although McLeod is still a young player, he has been able to gain valuable experience from his time in Edmonton. His 56 career playoff games rank second on the Sabres behind Alex Tuch’s 66. This includes the Oilers’ run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final this past season. As Buffalo’s roster primarily consists of players in their early to mid-20s, it could be more impactful in the locker room to have a playoff experienced peer instead of bringing in a veteran in the twilight of their career. If the Sabres are to break the drought this year, McLeod is likely to be a key part of that effort.
