Ryan McLeod was the first ever draft pick to the Flint Firebirds franchise after the Plymouth Whalers relocated following the 2014-15 season. McLeod would never play for the I-75 rival requesting a trade to his hometown Mississauga Steelheads. McLeod, who’s older brother Michael also played for the Steelheads and is also an NHL player, was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 40th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft. With a rebuilding Steelheads team, McLeod was acquired by the Spirit in January of 2019. McLeod became the Spirit top center playing on a line with then rookie Cole Perfetti and fellow Steelhead alum Owen Tippett. The line shredded opponents and lead the Spirit to their first appearance in the Western Conference Final in team history.
McLeod appeared in his first NHL games during the 2020-2021 season with the Edmonton Oilers and gained valuable experience in the 2021 Playoffs. McLeod played 57games for the Oilers during the 22-23 season tallying 11 goals and 12 assists.
McLeod and the Oilers agreed to a 2-year contract extension in April 2023. McLeod was traded by the Oilers, alongside forward Tyler Tullio, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward Matthew Savoie on July 5, 2024.
