Former Oiler Ryan McLeod receives big promotion from the Buffalo Sabres
Earlier today, it was revealed that the Buffalo Sabres have promoted former Oilers centre Ryan McLeod as the number one centre for the team as Tage Thompson is out of the lineup.
McLeod has had a fast start with the Sabres ever since he was traded earlier this summer along with Tyler Tullio in exchange for former first round draft pick Matthew Savoie. This by far is the best start he's had in his career with any NHL organization as he's played sixteen games, scoring four goals with five assists for 9 points and it's a + 6 with 15 minutes and 44 seconds of ice time.
Standing at six foot 3 and 188 lbs he certainly will fit in well with that position as head coach Lindy Ruff feels he deserves some time anchoring the top line and power play. It seems that McLeod has fit in well with the Sabres as both sides of his game have been outstanding.
Savoie on the other hand has been flourishing with the Bakersfield condors but has yet to crack the lineup on a regular basis with the Oilers as the team tries to turn a corner in their season and get back to their winning ways. Savoie has played 12 games for the condors, scoring four goals of forces for eight points and is second on the team in offence along with being a + 3.
It's safe to say that judging this trade is far too early as Savoie needs time in the American Hockey League as he will be able to play heavy minutes an understand how to play against adults. At 20 years old and having been drafted in the first-round 9th overall in the 2022 entry draft, the ceiling is huge for Savoie and it's likely the Oilers will see the results of this trade within the next few years.
The Oilers will be at home to take on the Nashville Predators On November 14th at 9:00pm eastern and then will be on the road to take on three other Canadian teams as they venture on an Eastern Conference road trip to face off against the Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Oilers made a mistake to let Ryan Mcleod go to free agency? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 68.1 % |
| No | 22 | 31.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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