Buffalo Sabres 2025-26 Player Grades: Ryan McLeod

The 2025-26 season was a major turning point for the Buffalo Sabres. They ended the drought and now will be looking to upgrade rather simply stockpiling picks. Head coach Lindy Ruff is back and the team is looking to contend in 2026-27.

There is still a long time until the next season begins. With the NHL Draft later this month, it is time now to look back to this past season and start handing out player grades. The focus today is one of the guys who has helped change the culture in Buffalo: Ryan McLeod.

Production

When he was acquired, McLeod was something of an unknown. His underlying metrics were good, and you could see traits in his game, but his 12 goals and 30 points weren’t exactly awe-inspiring. He had a breakout 2024-25 season with 20 goals and 53 points, and somehow managed to be even better in 2025-26.

McLeod hit career-highs with 40 assists and 54 points in 81 games, excellent production for a guy who moves between the second and third lines. Even more impressive, McLeod led the league in shorthanded goals with five, helping the Sabres become one of the most dangerous units in the league. He did all this while achieving a career-best plus-25 rating and playing a career-high 17:37 per night.

Intangibles

McLeod’s speed is the thing that stands out most about his game. The Sabres prioritize speed and skill, and McLeod brings both to the table in spades. It is part of what made him so dangerous when down a man.

He is also one of the guys who clearly had an impact on changing the culture. The guys seem to love him, and he brings a kind of unfettered joy to the game that makes a difference during the rigors of an 82-game season. The fact that he backs it up with 50-plus points and a strong 200-foot game makes him a complete package.

Overall Grade: A-

It is hard to complain about McLeod’s contributions this season. He dropped off in goals but offset it by leading the league in shorthanded goals. He also found a new dimension to his playmaking side, showing that he can be dangerous even when he’s not lighting the lamp.

The lone knock is his playoff performance. He wasn’t bad, per se, but he did go dry offensively with just one goal and five points in 13 games. His versatility and well-rounded game make him one of the best contracts in the league ($5 million per season).

Sabres Will Lean on McLeod Next Season

With Alex Tuch likely gone, McLeod may take on an even bigger role depending on what the Sabres do and how the rest of the lineup looks. He has managed to exceed expectations from the moment he was acquired and is one of many who played a large role in ending the drought.

McCleod will be 27 years old this season, entering the prime of his career. Coming off back-to-back 50-point seasons is excellent, but can he take it to another level? If Josh Norris can’t stay healthy, it could lead to an even larger role for McLeod going forward.