Oilers looking to possible reunion with former forward at trade deadline
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Recent reports have suggested that former Edmonton Oilers center Ryan McLeod may be on the move as a possible trade candidate, which may lead to a reunion with his former club.
The 25-year-old center was traded to the Buffalo Sabres last summer and Tyler Tuillo in exchange for Matthew Savoie who has been working with the Oilers recently on their five game road trip.
Reunion possible for McLeod and Oilers
The six foot three center has had a solid year with the Sabres and would give back the Oilers some familiarity as he had been with the organization since 2018 as he was drafted by the team in the second round, 40th overall.
This season has seen a major uptick in his production even on a poor performance team like the Sabres, as he has played 54 games, scoring 14 goals with 17 assists for 31 points and is a +12.
He also has had a rise in his minutes as he's been averaging 16 minutes a game.
The Sabres have been rumored to shed more players on their roster as another disappointing season has the team looking for draft picks and prospects which the Oilers have some capital to offer.
Bowman looking to be creative at NHL trade deadline
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has been working the phoners with other managers looking for options that would make his team better.
Secondary scoring has been deemed a need at the team will need more production from other lines for a long playoff run.
McLeod was an important player in last season's playoff run and would be helpful for head coach Kris Knoblauch. It would also give McLeod a chance to play more meaningful hockey which would be an enticing idea.
As for compensation, the Oilers would like need to send a draft pick back and or someone off the Condors roster to close the deal as Mcleod holds a cap hit of 2.1 million dollars and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Oilers fans will only have six days to wait as the trade deadline is set for March 7th and many expect the Oilers and the rest of the NHL to be highly active than years past.
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