Oilers look to sign Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard and 4th line center. The Edmonton Oilers [https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers] and Ryan McLeod [https://puckpedia.com/player/ryan-mcleod] avoid arbitration after agreeing to a new deal on Tuesday August 1st. The arbitration hearing was scheduled for August 4th. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/oilers-mcleod-has-arbitration-date-booked] The 23-year old forward is rewarded with a new two-year $2.1-million cap hit contract [https://thehockeynews.com/news/oilers-sign-ryan-mcleod-to-two-year-contract]. After the signing of this contract the Oilers are left with $4.28-million. Evan Bouchard [https://www.nhl.com/player/evan-bouchard-8480803]'s contract cap hit will determine how big of a roster the Oilers can start the season with. If Bouchard signs for $3.5-million or less, they can have a 22-man roster [https://twitter.com/PuckPedia/status/1686550233961152515]. If it's more, then they can have a maximum of 21. Ryan McLeod [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5MTU0Njc4MzA5NTk1MDky/usatsi_20497996_168401874_lowres.jpg] Ryan McLeod This new deal for McLeod is an amazing contract for the team and the player. He built on his rookie 2021-22 campaign by scoring 23 points in 57 games. That's two more points in 14 less games. He also saw his time on ice increase from 12:46 to 14:11. [https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/ryan-mcleod] McLeod is an important young player on the Oilers roster who is getting more comfortable the more he plays. When looking at points per 60 minutes (P60), McLeod ranks seventh on the team. Above him are Connor McDavid [https://puckpedia.com/player/connor-mcdavid], Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Warren Foegele and Evander Kane. It's not a reach to suggest that McLeod can improve upon his 23 point 2022-23 season with even more points this upcoming year. It's not out of the realm of possibility for McLeod to hit the 40-point mark for the first time of his career in the 2023-24 season. Related: Oilers 2023 Off-Season Guide [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-2023-off-season-guide] Related: 2 Reasonable Oilers' Trade Proposals to Acquire a Defence Upgrade [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/2-reasonable-oilers-trade-proposals-to-acquire-a-defence-upgrade] Related: Oilers Have 3 Breakout Candidates for 2023-24 Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-have-3-breakout-candidates-for-2023-24-season] Related: A Guide to Survive the Off-Season For Oilers Fans [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/a-guide-on-how-to-survive-the-off-season-for-oilers-fans]
