Ryan McLeod Has Something Now That He Never Had With Oilers
Ryan McLeod (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)EDMONTON – They say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
However, for former Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan McLeod, it’s fair to say that the opposite has been the case this season.
The Oilers' 40th overall 2018 draft selection is enjoying a great season with the Buffalo Sabres. While the trade during the summer may have been surprising for the 25-year-old forward, I’m sure he doesn’t mind, considering the success he has enjoyed to date.
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McLeod is sixth in Sabres scoring through 60 games. He has 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points – all three are career highs.
The former Oiler has a 51.4 percent success rate in faceoffs, averaging 16:09 per night and 2:16 per game on the penalty kill. All three of those stats are also career highs for the speedy winger.
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He’s been a consistent top-six forward for the Sabres. McLeod’s most common linemates have been Jordan Greenway and Jason Zucker. They have been a trio for 17.4 percent of McLeod’s total ice time this season.
Sometimes, all a player needs to blossom is opportunity. It’s fair to say that McLeod has seen more of that opportunity in Buffalo than in Edmonton.
Compared to last season, McLeod is playing nearly two minutes more a game. That number could rise exponentially over the final stretch. In his last three games, he’s averaged 21:38, 18:53, and 21:02 in ice time.
It’s fair to suggest that the Oilers could have used the speed of McLeod this year. It’s also fair to suggest that McLeod wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity he currently has with the Sabres.
Sometimes, the grass is greener on the other side.
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