Now that free agent frenzy has come and gone, the news stories have dwindled down to nearly nothing. Until now.
The Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres have agreed on a trade.
Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio are Buffalo bound for recent top-10 draft pick Matthew Savoie.
McLeod had become a fan favourite in recent years for his energetic playstyle, speed and agility, and iconic hockey smile.
Unfortunately he had difficulty finding his offence at the NHL level with a career high of 12 goals and 30 points in 81 games this past season.
He had struggled through the recent playoffs as well, ending up as a healthy scratch for a couple of games.
Tyler Tullio, a fifth round draft pick of the Oilers back in 2020, had been looking promising. But his development seemed to have stalled in Bakersfield last season as he did not improve on his prior rookie year totals of 26 points in 63 games with the Condors.
Who is Matt Savoie?
This trade may come as a surprise as Savoie was the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He has high hopes and high offensive potential, which he has continued to show this past season. He recorded 47 points in 23 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors and five points in six games with the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
Savoie plays centre in juniors but with the Oilers depth down the middle, they likely see a highly talented winger in him. Someone who can be a star contributor alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Savoie is likely to get a good look in training camp. Partly due to his style of play and talent level giving him a competitive shot at an NHL spot and partly due to his entry level deal being cap friendly for Edmonton.
Drop your thoughts on this trade down below!
So it is almost preseason and I am going through other hockey enthusiasts posts, and not all accept comments.
The trade itself surprised me because I thought Mr. Savoie was a keeper, but then again at 5′ 9″ and barely 175 soaking wet it could be a challenge to take his skill and talent to the NHL successfully.
Then after reading what you wrote about Mr. McLeod now has me concerned because I was looking forward to him possibly assisting with the Sabres PK.
I posted shortly after this article on Buffalo’s newest players,
(The player who will immediately impact the Sabres will be 6’ 3” center Ryan McLeod who may never crack the 20 goal plateau but does not take many penalties and is a positive plus/minus player who is one of the reasons Edmonton had such a powerful penalty kill.),
Curious about your opinion of my assessment of Mr. McLeod.
And I am looking forward to your newly acquired sniper from my boys, Jess Skinner, who I am looking forward to watching him play in his first playoffs with the Oilers.
McLeod seemed to have peaked offensively as he hadn’t really taken the next step in that way but he is one of the most defensively responsible and impactful forwards the Oilers had. He’d be an incredible bottom six centre and would likely be a good addition on the PK, he did well in Edmonton with that. He’s also been a fan favourite and someone whose effort is noticeable.
On a young and speedy Sabres team he should fit right in
Glad to read your response, especially since it is positive, lol.
I endeavor to write positively about the Sabres, fantasy hockey, and hockey in general.
Too many trolls casting shade everywhere, so I am bringing light to what is good in hockey.