Steelheads Alumni Spotlight Series: Ryan McLeod

By Easton-Leaf Lepage

Coming off a career best season and an interesting change of scenery, Ryan Mcleod has the potential to have a very exciting 2024. 

 

The former Steelhead posted career highs in goals (12), assists (18), and points (30) in 81 regular season games for the Edmonton Oilers in 2023-24 and added four goals in the Western Conference champion’s playoff run that ended one game short of the Stanley Cup. 

 

The all around centerman was one of Edmonton’s strongest players at 5 on 5 outside of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, posting a career best plus minus mark of plus 10. 

 

On July 5th, the Oilers traded Ryan Mcleod and Ty Tullio to the Buffalo Sabres for top prospect Matthew Savoie. Savoie was drafted ninth overall by the Sabres in 2022 and posted 71 points in 34 games in the WHL in 2023-24. 

 

Such a return could only mean the Sabres coveted Mcleod highly. He projects to slide into the Sabres third line center position behind Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens, bringing much needed speed and defensive prowess to the Sabres middle six.  

 

The Mississauga native was drafted third overall by the Flint FIrebirds in the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft, before being traded to his hometown Steelheads before the start of the season. 

 

After posting two solid seasons to start his OHL career, Mcleod exploded for 20 points in 20 playoff games during the Steelheads’ run to the OHL finals in 2017. Mcleod continued his breakout with a career high 26 goals and 70 points in 68 games in the 2017-18 OHL season. 

 

The budding star was drafted 40th overall by the Edmonton Oilers following his big year for Mississauga. Mcleod’s started his 2018-19 season with 38 points in 32 games before being traded to the Saginaw Spirit for several assets. 

 

A new situation could help unlock Mcleod’s untapped offensive potential as he looks to continue improving after a career best season. The 24 year old will also bring valuable playoff experience to a Buffalo team looking to end a 13 year postseason drought.