Ryan McLeod

June 2022 – A player whose development curve continues to climb, McLeod continued to improve in his rookie NHL season. The speedy youngster is the second-best skater on the team behind Mcdavid and did not look out of place in a bottom-six role on the Oilers. Last season, McLeod recorded 21 points in 71 games and another four in 16 playoff games. His playoff stats do not do him justice though, as he was one of the Oilers’ best players in some of their playoff games and flashed more potential than his stats might suggest. As the roster sits, expect McLeod to be the Oilers’ third-line center this season. If Edmonton is patient with him and continues to help him develop, he could be a very strong asset to the team in the near future. Jameson Ewasiuk

October 2020 – McLeod’s first season in the AHL definitely was not flashy and although he struggled to put up consistent offensive numbers, he did start to improve his overall game. Becoming a more complete player going forward would allow him to carve out a bottom-six role in the NHL in the future. His five goals and 23 points in 56 games as an AHL rookie will not jump off the page but patience will be key with this player as he is developing. On September 5th, it was announced that the Oilers had loaned McLeod to EV Zug of the Swiss National League. Holland has been doing a great job of making sure his prospects get playing time this fall during these uncertain times. The young center has played one game for EV Zug and recorded two penalty minutes. Overall, if McLeod’s offensive game continues to develop, Edmonton could have a potential third-line center on their hands but at this time he is not a fantasy option. Jameson Ewasiuk

January 2020 – McLeod has not made a big impact as a rookie in the AHL so far but he is carving himself a role at that level. His speed, decent faceoff abilities, and his penalty-killing skills have made him a useful role player for the Condors. He does not receive a lot of power-play time and has recorded 12 points in 30 games. McLeod usually acts as the team’s third-line center with fellow rookie Kirill Maksimov as his most common linemate. His consistency and compete level are still a work in progress but with Edmonton’s lack of speed and their need for a third-line center, McLeod will likely be given every opportunity to seize an NHL position in the future. Jameson Ewasiuk

September 2019 – McLeod consistently passes the eye test with his great wheels, solid puck skills and above-average size yet his points per game actually regressed in his final season in the OHL. He was sent down to Bakersfield on September 20th which is not totally unexpected at this point. McLeod played decently well for the Oilers in the preseason this year but didn’t make as much of an impact or make it as far into the preseason as he did last year. He is likely expected to be a top-nine player for the Condors as an AHL rookie but he must work on his overall consistency to be effective at the pro level. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2019 – After turning heads at the Oilers camp in September, McLeod’s season in the OHL hasn’t been as good as some had hoped. Before being traded from Mississauga to Saginaw on January 3rd, the young forward had recorded 38 points in 32 games and has since recorded 23 points in 27 games with his new team. His 61 total points in 59 games matches the 1.03 points per game that he recorded last season. As with any draft pick, the hope is that their offensive production will increase with each season so this season is a bit underwhelming. McLeod has struggled with consistency in the past and that appears to be a trend this season as well. Jameson Ewasiuk

June 2018 – Expectations were high for McLeod coming into last season but inconsistencies ultimately led to him being drafted in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Despite those inconsistencies and his habit of playing too much on the perimeter, the consensus rankings for McLeod were still in the 20-30 range for the draft so the Oilers were thrilled to select him at 40th overall. McLeod is a gifted center with swift skating and the ability to play a two-way game. He has the size, quickness and skill to be a top-six player in the NHL but he must learn how to utilize his tools more effectively. McLeod is currently attending Edmonton’s development camp and with the Oilers’ lack of quality prospects that play the center position, he is definitely a player to watch. Jameson Ewasiuk

November 2017 – Younger brother of Steelheads teammate and New Jersey Devils prospect Mike McLeod, Ryan may not have the same wheels as his older brother but in his ow right is a top prospect. McLeod was the third overall selection from the 2015 OHL Priority Selection by the Flint Firebirds. After winning the OHL Cup and claiming MVP leading the Malboros to a title, McLeod was acquired by his home town Mississauga Steelheads for six draft picks. McLeod posted 20 points in his rookie season in 62 games. Last year he continued to develop raising his point totals to nine goals and 42 points in 68 games and took his game to another level in the post season with five goals and 20 points in 20 games. Due to his late birthday this will be his draft year and he had a slow start, but with the return of his older brother from New Jersey and Owen Tippett from Florida

A natural center, McLeod is already strong on draws and distributes the puck efficiently to his team mates. His skating isn’t as fast as his brothers, but is still a strength to his game as he has good acceleration, strong edge work and agility and is very strong on his skates. McLeod is more of a playmaker as he has excellent vision, puck skills and is more adept at setting teammates up than finishing, but he does have a good, quick and accurate wrist shot. McLeod is already strong on draws and has good size, but could be a little more aggressive. He plays a responsible two-way game and has no glaring holes to his game. –  Peter Harling