This new Buffalo Sabre has the potential to take a step forward in 2024-25.
This new Buffalo Sabre has the potential to take a step forward in 2024-25.
The Buffalo Sabres made a big move earlier this offseason when they traded top prospect Matt Savoie to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio. While there is certainly some risk in the Sabres parting ways with Savoie, the Sabres have also landed a solid third-line center in McLeod and an intriguing prospect in Tullio.
While Tullio will need some time in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL, McLeod will be an immediate piece for the Sabres. Over the last few seasons with the Oilers, McLeod emerged as a solid third-line forward, and he should carry that over to the Sabres. In fact, there is some reason to believe that he could take another step forward in Buffalo.
First, McLeod is only 24 years old and may not have hit his ceiling yet. The Mississauga, Ontario native will have the potential to receive bigger minutes, as the Sabres' forward depth does not match up to Edmonton's. Thus, he could get reps on both their power play and penalty kill next season.
McLeod has also shown some promise offensively in recent years. During this past season with the Oilers, he posted new career highs with 12 goals and 30 points in 81 games. However, his pace of production was a bit better in 2022-23, as he had 11 goals and 23 points in just 57 games. Perhaps if he stays healthy next season, the 20-goal mark could be in the cards.
While McLeod may not be the biggest of names, he should end up being a strong addition to the Sabres' roster. In the end, the Sabres have landed a guaranteed 3C who plays a dependable two-way game and has the potential to get even better. It will be intriguing to see what kind of season he puts together in Buffalo in 2024-25 from here.
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