Oilers Trade Ryan McLeod to Sabers For Prospect Matt Savoie – Hockey Writers – NHL News

The Edmonton Oilers traded Ryan McLeod and prospect Tyler Tullio to the Buffalo Sabers for prospect Matt Savoie, according to Elliotte Friedman. McLeod, 24, is entering the final year of his $2.1 million AAV contract. He is an impressive two-way center who had 12 goals and 30 points in 81 games for Edmonton last season and will be a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. Savoie was one of the Sabers top prospects. He played for four different teams in three leagues last season, putting up offensive numbers at each level.

For Buffalo, they hope to continue their rebuild in hopes of making the playoffs, and this move will strengthen their depth. He spent most of last season alongside Leon Draisaitl and Warren Foegele, playing about 14 minutes per night while seeing time on the penalty kill. He will play the same role in Nathi. The Sabers found Tullio again. The 22-year-old forward had nine goals and 21 points in 52 games for the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season.

McLeod's price was not cheap, as the Oilers landed Savoie, one of the Sabres' top prospects. He had 30 goals and 71 points in 34 Western Hockey League games split between the Moose Jaw Warriors and Wenatchee Wild last season, in addition to two goals and three assists in six games for the Rochester Americans of the AHL. He also played in one NHL game against the Minnesota Wild on November 10, 2023, scoring in less than four minutes of action.

Related: 2024 NHL Free Agency Tracker

Savoie is quickly becoming a key player for the Oilers and could join the team starting the 2024-25 season. His big hands and vision will translate to the NHL, and he could even see time in the Oilers' top six or power play alongside Draisaitl or Connor McDavid if head coach Kris Knoblauch sees fit. Although his defense needs work, he is only 20 years old, so he has time to figure it out. He's also on his entry-level contract, which is a key requirement for the tight-knit Oilers.