The Edmonton Oilers dealt forwards Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday in a somewhat unexpected move that netted them top prospect Matt Savoie. On both the Oilers and Sabres sides, this transaction has generated discussion among supporters and observers, posing the vital question: who won the trade?
On one side, the Oilers part with Ryan McLeod, a solid contributor who tallied 30 points in 81 games last season. McLeod’s speed is one of his standout attributes, with NHL Edge metrics placing him in the elite category for top speed and total speed bursts. At just 24 years old, McLeod also recorded 16 goals last season, including four in the playoffs. His departure has shocked many Oilers fans, who recognize his value despite his flaws.
Edmonton essentially needed to make a trade to clear cap space after a busy free agency opening. McLeod was being pushed downward with every new signing and he was likely to start the season on the Oilers fourth line. While he’s got speed and skill, he’s not physical and doesn’t play with an edge. He became one of the clear choices to get a little financial breathing room.
Meanwhile, Matthew Savoie, the centerpiece of the deal for the Oilers, is a highly skilled right-shot forward who played a crucial role in Moose Jaw’s WHL Championship. His NHLe (NHL equivalency) is comparable to top prospects like Juraj Slafkovsky, and hockey prospecting models suggest he has a higher chance of becoming a star. For the Oilers, acquiring Savoie, who is in the first year of his entry-level contract, seems like a significant coup, even if the player is unproven.
CEO and acting GM Jeff Jackson sees Savoie as a missing piece in their drafting strategy, immediately becoming Edmonton’s top-ranked prospect. Jackson talked at the draft about wanting to quickly boost their prospect pool, explaining why the team moved a first-round pick in either 2025 or 2026 to get into the first round this year and draft Sam O’Reilly.
Leave a Reply