The consensus in the hockey community is that the trade where the Edmonton Oilers sent Matthew Savoie for Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio was won by the Oilers. However, the impact of this deal should not be underestimated. Losing McLeod means losing one of their top players in faceoffs, penalty killing, defensive play, and youthful speed. McLeod’s contributions were crucial to the team’s success last season, and his absence will leave a significant gap that needs to be filled.
McLeod’s effectiveness stemmed from his role in leading the Oilers’ bottom six throughout the 2023-24 season and playoffs. Despite averaging just over 14 minutes per game, he managed to score 12 goals and tally 30 points across 81 regular-season games. Beyond his offensive output, McLeod’s defensive capabilities were particularly noteworthy but often overlooked.
As a speedy forward, McLeod excelled in dominating the neutral zone with minimal errors and exceptional discipline, accumulating only 10 penalty minutes while drawing 20 penalties last season. He ranked third on the team in takeaways with 66, compared to 48 giveaways. His advanced metrics, such as an expected goals percentage (xG%) of 57.6, highlighted his effectiveness in both offensive and defensive situations, making him one of the Oilers’ best two-way forwards at just 24 years old.
To fill McLeod’s void, the Oilers have several options. They could pursue a trade for a natural center like Morgan Frost from the Philadelphia Flyers, who offers comparable skills and metrics. Alternatively, they could explore remaining free agents like Tyler Johnson, whose versatility and offensive abilities make him a viable candidate despite his age. Another strategy could involve internal solutions, such as transitioning existing players like Adam Henrique or Dylan Holloway into more prominent roles at center.
Ultimately, while the Oilers have time before the 2024-25 season opener to make adjustments, McLeod’s departure represents a significant loss that requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning to maintain the team’s competitiveness moving
forward.
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