The Buffalo Sabres have had a tough season. With just 68 points in 73 games, they find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and 28th overall in the NHL standings. While defensive struggles have plagued the team, there are a few bright spots—especially on offense, where they remain comfortably in the top half of the league in scoring. From Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch each putting together another 30-plus goal campaign to Rasmus Dahlin continuing to rank among the top-scoring defensemen, generating offense hasn’t been the issue.
One under-the-radar success story that helped the Sabres be a top-10 offense in the league has been Ryan McLeod. Acquired in a trade from the Edmonton Oilers that sent top prospect Matthew Savoie the other way, expectations were modest—he was brought in to solidify the third-line center role. But McLeod has exceeded those expectations and become a quietly important piece of the Sabres’ lineup.
McLeod’s Impact
Ryan McLeod has shattered his previous career highs across nearly every statistical category this season. The 25-year-old center has tallied 48 points (19 goals, 29 assists) through 71 games—a massive jump in production. He’s been especially hot lately, notching 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in his last 14 games alone.
After a disappointing Stanley Cup Playoff run last year—just four points (all goals) in 24 games for the Oilers—McLeod came into this season looking to bounce back. Traditionally viewed as a dependable bottom-six forward rather than a point producer, he’s proving he can be much more. Whether it’s more time on special teams or increased offensive zone deployment, something has clicked in Buffalo. He’s also averaging a career-high 16:45 of ice time per game.
McLeod has earned multiple looks in the top six and even centered the first line in Thompson’s injury absence. His versatility and consistent performance have kept him in the conversation for more minutes. He’s also been solid in the faceoff circle, winning 51.6% of his draws—a significant boost for a team that has long struggled in that area.
Ryan McLeod's season with the Sabres:
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) March 31, 2025
18 goals
47 points
16:45 ATOI
51.5 FO%
+12
3 games missed
All those hot takes about the trade did not age well. Underrated player. https://t.co/2z3CIfp3kC
When the Sabres acquired McLeod over the summer, they emphasized a need for more speed in the bottom six. He’s delivered exactly that. One play from their 8–5 win over the Washington Capitals on March 30 perfectly showcased his impact. On a slick give-and-go with Jack Quinn, McLeod burned past Capitals forward Nic Dowd to finish the play and give Buffalo a 2–1 lead early in the second. His speed, playmaking, control of the pace, and growing offensive confidence have made him one of the Sabres’ most effective—and underrated—players this season.
Part of Sabres Core?
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that McLeod is part of the Sabres’ long-term plans. The team has already started to lock in its core, handing out extensions to key pieces like Thompson, Dahlin, and Owen Power. With McLeod set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of deal Buffalo is willing to offer their quietly productive center.
Related: Sabres Prospects Who Could Have an Impact Next Season
At just 25 years old and coming off a breakout season, McLeod has more than earned a raise. Given his age and RFA status, there’s even a chance another team could attempt an offer sheet. We saw the St. Louis Blues try something similar last year with Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. With a surprisingly strong RFA class this summer, which includes teammate JJ Peterka, some league executives believe offer sheets might actually be more prevalent than in years prior. However, I’m sure if McLeod got offer sheeted, the Sabres would match right away.
Cap Wages has contract projections for pending free agents, and they have McLeod’s as a three-year contract worth $3.04 million average annual value (AAV), which feels low, in my opinion. I’d have him around five years and worth around $5 million AAV.
McLeod, overall, has been one of the Sabres’ most surprising players this season. We’ll see if he can continue it next season, whether he is with the Sabres or on a different team.
Has McLeod exceeded your expectations this season in Buffalo?
