{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player (born 1999)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox ice hockey biography | name = Ryan McLeod | image = {{CSS image crop |Image=McLeod_and_Koskinen_Celebrate.jpg |bSize=500 |cWidth=230 |cHeight=300 |oTop=0 |oLeft=130 |Location=center}} | image_size = | caption = McLeod (right) celebrates with Mikko Koskinen in 2022. | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|9|21}} | birth_place = Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 3 | weight_lb = 188 | position = Forward | shoots = Left | league = NHL | team = Buffalo Sabres | prospect_team = | prospect_league = | former_teams = EV Zug<br>Edmonton Oilers | draft = 40th overall | draft_year = 2018 | draft_team = Edmonton Oilers | career_start = 2019 | career_end = }} '''Ryan McLeod''' (born September 21, 1999) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL.
==Playing career==
===Amateur=== McLeod played junior ice hockey for the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). He won the 2015 OHL Cup with the team and was named the championship's most valuable player.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chl.ca/ohlcup/ryan-mcleod-named-2015-ohl-cup-mvp/ |title=Ryan McLeod named 2015 OHL Cup MVP |publisher=OHL Cup |via=CHL.ca |date=March 23, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> In his final season, McLeod also led the Marlboros in scoring and earned the GTHL's Player of the Year Award. He had a brief term with the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, appearing in two games as an affiliated player.<ref name="hockeydb">{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=187431 |title=Ryan McLeod |website=hockeydb.com |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oakvillenews.org/local-sports/six-oakville-blades-aps-selected-at-ohl-draft-8478951 |title=Six Oakville Blades AP's Selected at OHL Draft |work=Oakville News |last=Ellis |first=Steven |date=April 12, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He was selected by the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the first round, third overall, of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection draft. However, he refused to report to Flint, preferring to play near his home in Mississauga, Ontario.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/2015/04/will_ohl_first-round_pick_ryan.html |title=Will OHL first-round pick Ryan McLeod report to the Flint Firebirds? |work=MLive.com |last=McMann |first=Aaron |date=April 30, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref><ref name="mississauga">{{cite web |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/2015/09/flint_firebirds_trade_first-ro.html |title=Flint Firebirds trade 1st round pick Ryan McLeod to Mississauga Steelheads for 8 draft picks |last=McMann |first=Aaron |work=MLive.com |date=September 3, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> Ultimately, Flint was forced to trade McLeod to the Mississauga Steelheads for eight draft picks spread over three OHL drafts and received an additional first round draft pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection draft from the league itself due to McLeod's refusal to report.<ref name="mississauga"/>
He made his major junior ice hockey debut for the Steelheads in the 2015–16 season, appearing in 62 games scoring seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The franchise established new highs with their first winning season and made the 2016 OHL playoffs. They faced the Barrie Colts in the first round, with Barrie winning their best-of-seven series four games to three.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/beware-the-mississauga-steelheads-in-2016-17/ |title=Beware the Mississauga Steelheads in 2016-17 |last=Slawson |first=Brett |work=The Hockey Writers |date=July 5, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> McLeod recorded two assists in the seven games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He returned to Mississauga for the 2016–17 season, recording nine goals and 42 points in 68 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Steelheads made the playoffs again in 2017 and advanced to the OHL finals, losing to the Erie Otters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-steelheads/article/10-years-of-steel-the-2016-17-mississauga-steelheads/ |title=10 Years of Steel – The 2016-17 Mississauga Steelheads |publisher=Brampton Steelheads |via=CHL.ca |date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> McLeod broke out in the Steelheads' run, scoring five goals and 20 points in 20 playoff games.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref name="alumni">{{cite web |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-steelheads/article/steelheads-alumni-spotlight-series-ryan-mcleod/ |title=Steelheads Alumni Spotlight Series: Ryan McLeod |publisher=Brampton Steelheads |via=CHL.ca |date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref>
In his third season with Mississauga in 2017–18, McLeod set new career highs with the Steelheads, scoring 26 goals and 70 points in 68 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Steelheads made the 2018 OHL playoffs, and faced the Barrie Colts in the first round again. The Colts won the series four games to two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ourwindsor.ca/life/mississauga-steelheads-eliminated-from-playoffs-after-8-2-loss-to-barrie/article_834d0124-d82f-51d9-85e1-f539075c4733.html |title=Mississauga Steelheads eliminated from playoffs after 8-2 loss to Barrie |work=Mississauga News |last=Colpitts |first=Iain |date=April 2, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2025 |via=Ourwindsor.ca}}</ref> McLeod two goals and five points in the six games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> In the 2018–19 season he made 32 appearances for Mississauga, marking 12 goals and 38 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> However, the Steelheads were rebuilding that season, and decided to trade McLeod to the Saginaw Spirit for defenceman Duncan Penman and five draft picks spread over multiple drafts on January 3, 2019.<ref name="spiritbio">{{cite web |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/ryan-mcleod-2/ |title=Ryan McLeod |publisher=Saginaw Spirit |via=CHL.ca |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/spirit-acquire-oilers-prospect-ryan-mcleod-blockbuster-trade/ |title=Spirit acquire Oilers prospect Ryan McLeod in blockbuster trade |publisher=Saginaw Spirit |via=CHL.ca |date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> McLeod was immediately placed on the Spirit's first line alongside Cole Perfetti and Owen Tippett.<ref name="spiritbio"/> In 31 games with Saginaw, he marked seven goals and 24 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Spirit made the 2019 OHL playoffs and advanced to the OHL Western Conference final for the first time in franchise history, but were ultimately eliminated by the Guelph Storm in seven games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/g66l-2019/04/20280024d74300/saginaw-spirit-drop-game-7-watch-historic-season-end-in-conference-final.html |title=Saginaw Spirit drop Game 7, watch historic season end in conference final |work=MLive.com |last=Bernreuter |first=Hugh |date=April 30, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> McLeod added five goals and 12 points in 17 playoff games.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
===Professional=== ===Edmonton Oilers=== McLeod was selected by the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2018 NHL entry draft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-prospects-ryan-mcleod-raphael-lavoie-may-be-on-the-fast-track-to-the-nhl|title=Edmonton Oilers' prospects Ryan McLeod, Raphael Lavoie may be on the fast track to the NHL|work=Edmonton Journal |last=McCurdy |first=Bruce |date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He attended the Oilers training camp in 2018, but was returned to his junior team after playing in some pre-season exhibition games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/oilers-pick-ryan-mcleod-is-bringing-a-complete-game |title=Oilers pick Ryan McLeod is bringing a complete game |work=The Hockey News |last=Kennedy |first=Ryan |date=October 15, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He turned professional at the end of the 2018–19 season, signing an entry-level contract with the Oilers on May 1, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-sign-ryan-mcleod-to-entry-level-contract/c-307143966|title=Release: Oilers sign Ryan McLeod to Entry-Level Contract|publisher=Edmonton Oilers|via=NHL.com |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/oilers-sign-forward-ryan-mcleod-entry-level-contract/|title=Oilers sign forward Ryan McLeod to entry-level contract |work=Sportsnet |last=Johnston |first=Mark |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He was assigned to Edmonton's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, for the 2019 Calder Cup playoffs. He appeared in five playoff games, registering three assists.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bakersfieldcondors.com/news/get-to-know-ryan-mcleod/ |title=Get to Know: Ryan McLeod |publisher=Bakersfield Condors |date=August 29, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref>
He was assigned to the Condors ahead of the 2019–20 season on September 20<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bakersfieldcondors.com/news/oilers-assign-nine-to-bakersfield/ |title=Oilers assign nine to Bakersfield |publisher=Bakersfield Condors |date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> and in his AHL rookie season, he recorded five goals and 23 points in 56 games before the season was suspended on March 12, 2020, and later cancelled by the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ahl-season-cancelled-dave-andrews-1.5564344 |title=American Hockey League pulls plug on rest of season due to COVID-19 pandemic |work=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |date=May 11, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> With the 2020–21 NHL season delayed due to the pandemic, McLeod was loaned to the Swiss team EV Zug of the National League (NL) in September 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-loan-mcleod-to-ev-zug-318906696 |title=Release: Oilers loan McLeod to EV Zug |publisher=Edmonton Oilers |via=NHL.com |date=September 5, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> In 15 games in the NL, he scored four goals and 11 points before returning to North America.<ref name="hockeydb"/> He returned to Bakersfield where he operated at a point-per-game pace, recording 14 goals and 28 points in 28 games. His improved play earned him a recall to the Oilers' taxi squad late in the season.<ref name="emerging">{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/emerging-oilers-rookie-ryan-mcleod-is-taking-a-big-step-forward-under-jay-woodcroft |title=Emerging Oilers rookie Ryan McLeod is taking a big step forward under Jay Woodcroft |work=Edmonton Journal |last=McCurdy |first=Bruce |date=March 14, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He made his NHL debut on April 26, 2021, in a 6–1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://northeastnow.com/2021/04/26/connor-mcdavids-hat-trick-powers-oilers-over-jets-6-1/ |title=Connor McDavid's hat trick powers Oilers over Jets 6-1 |work=Northeast Now |agency=The Canadian Press |date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He notched his first NHL point on May 11, assisting on James Neal's first period goal in Edmonton's 4–3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/edm-vs-mtl/2021/05/10/2020020510 |title=Canadiens clinch playoff berth in OT loss to Oilers |last=Farrell |first=Sean |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He appeared in ten games for the Oilers in the 2020–21 season, registering the one point.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Oilers qualified for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs and McLeod made his NHL playoff debut on May 19 in Game 1 of their first round series versus the Winnipeg Jets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401326699 |title=Helleybuyck makes 32 saves, Jets beat Oilers 4-1 in Game 1 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=May 20, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> He played in all four games of the series, going scoreless, as the Oilers were eliminated by the Jets.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401326704 |title=Jets finish off sweep of Oilers with 4-3 victory in 3 OTs |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=May 25, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref>
McLeod made the Oilers team out of training for the 2021–22 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8258441/edmonton-oilers-season-opener-2021-roster/ |title=Edmonton Oilers get roster ready for season-opener against Vancouver |work=Global News |last=Wilkins |first=Reid |date=October 11, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> He appeared in two games before being assigned to the AHL. He was recalled in November by the Oilers after centre Devin Shore suffered an injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bakersfieldcondors.com/news/oilers-recall-mcleod/ |title=Oilers recall McLeod |publisher=Bakersfield Condors |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-recall-big-and-fast-young-centre-from-bakersfield-to-replace-injured-devin-shore |title=Huge opportunity for fast, young Oilers centre recalled from Bakersfield to replace injured Devin Shore |work=Edmonton Journal |last=Staples |first=David |date=November 8, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> In seven games with the Condors, he scored one goal and five points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> On November 14, McLeod scored his first NHL goal against Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues in a 5–4 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yamamoto scores with 28 seconds left in third period, Oilers defeat Blues|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/edm-vs-stl/2021/11/14/2021020228|access-date=November 15, 2021 |publisher=National Hockey League |last=Korac |first=Lou |date=November 14, 2021}}</ref> On March 28, 2022, he recorded a three-point game with the Oilers, scoring two goals and assisting on another in a 6–1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers-arizona-coyotes-nhl-recap-march-28-1.6400491 |title=McLeod's 3-point night leads Oilers to blowout victory over lowly Coyotes |work=CBC Sports |last=Jones |first=Shane |agency=The Canadian Press |date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> He finished the season having played in 71 games with Edmonton, recording nine goals and 21 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Oilers qualified for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs and faced the Los Angeles Kings in the first round. In Game 2 of the series on May 4, McLeod scored his first NHL playoff goal and added an assist in a 6–0 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401434794 |title=Smith stops 30 shots, Oilers beat Kings 6-0 to even series |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> The Oilers eliminated the Kings and then the Calgary Flames to advance to the Western Conference Finals, losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in four games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/avalache-sweep-oilers-advance-to-stanley-cup-final |title=Avalache Sweep Oilers, Advance to Stanley Cup Final |work=The Hockey News |last=Stephens |first=Mike |date=June 6, 2022 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> In 16 playoff games, McLeod scored three goals and four points.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
On September 22, McLeod signed a one-year contract extension with the Oilers for the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCurdy |first=Bruce |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/there-are-value-contracts-and-then-theres-what-ryan-mcleod-just-signed-with-edmonton-oilers |title=There are value contracts, and then there's what Ryan McLeod just signed with Edmonton Oilers |work=Edmonton Journal |date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2022}}</ref> With the Oilers from opening night, McLeod registered a three-point game on November 26. He assisted on three of the four goals scored by the Oilers in the third period of a comeback 4–3 win over the New York Rangers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401458925 |title=Oilers score 4 times in third period to defeat Rangers |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=November 26, 2022 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> On March 14, 2023, McLeod suffered an injury in a game against the Ottawa Senators. He missed the next ten games before he was placed on long-term injury reserve on April 6.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/oilers-place-forward-ryan-mcleod-on-ltir-recall-defenceman-jason-demers/ |title=Oilers place forward Ryan McLeod on LTIR, recall defenceman Jason Demers |work=Sportsnet |date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> He returned on April 11 after missing 12 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/oilers-look-ready-for-tight-checking-playoff-hockey-with-overtime-win-in-colorado |title=Oilers look ready for tight-checking playoff hockey with overtime win in Colorado |work=Edmonton Sun |last=Van Diest |first=Derek |date=April 11, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> In 57 games, McLeod scored 11 goals and 23 points.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Oilers made the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, but were eliminated in the Western Conference Final by the Vegas Golden Knights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/las-vegas-golden-knights-jonathan-marchessault-eliminate-edmonton-oilers-1.1960542 |title=Marchessault's natural hat trick eliminates Oilers, sends Golden Knights to West Final |work=TSN |agency=The Canadian Press |date=May 15, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> McLeod played in 12 playoff games, recording five assists.<ref name="hockeydb"/>
Ahead of the 2023–24 season, McLeod signed a two-year contract with Edmonton on August 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-sign-ryan-mcleod-to-two-year-extension-345498980 |title=Release: Oilers sign Ryan McLeod to two-year extension |publisher=Edmonton Oilers |via=NHL.com |date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> The Oilers struggled to start the season and head coach Jay Woodcroft was fired on November 12, replaced by Kris Knoblauch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/oilers-fire-coach-jay-woodcroft-3427499a7130680b171c0e51e819e10b |title=Edmonton Oilers fire coach Jay Woodcroft and name Kris Knoblauch the replacement |work=AP News |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |date=November 12, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> Knoblauch began pairing McLeod with Warren Foegele, even using them on the second line as wingers alongside Leon Draisaitl.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/newly-promoted-oilers-forward-ryan-mcleod-answering-his-critics-in-best-way-possible |title=Newly-promoted Oilers forward Ryan McLeod answering his critics in best way possible |work=Edmonton Journal |last=McCurdy |first=Bruce |date=December 28, 2023 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> He finished the season with 12 goals and 30 points in 81 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/> The Oilers made the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs and in the postseason, McLeod and the penalty kill unit starred.<ref name="penaltykill">{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers-penalty-killing-nhl-playoffs |title=Matheson: Oilers penalty killing prowess on display during NHL playoff run |last=Matheson |first=Jim |work=Edmonton Sun |date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> In the Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against Dallas Stars the penalty killing unit held the Stars' power play at bay for four minutes while star forward Connor McDavid was in the penalty box, serving a double minor penalty for high-sticking in the first overtime period. McDavid went on to score the game winning goal in the second overtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-kills-double-minor-penalty-in-overtime-of-game-1-win |title=Oilers penalty kill sets stage for McDavid heroics in Game 1 of West Final |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |last=Van Diest |first=Derek |date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> By Game 4 of the series, they had killed off 23 straight penalties.<ref name="penaltykill"/> The Oilers advanced to the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, where in Game 3 on June 13, McLeod returned to the second line wing alongside Draisaitl but with Dylan Holloway on the other side.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dailyhive.com/edmonton/oilers-lines-game-3-stanley-cup-final |title=Oilers shake up lines before Game 3 and it looks like Perry will play |work=Daily Hive |last=Pankiw |first=Colton |date=June 12, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> McLeod scored in the game, and was later stopped in the final minute by Panthers' goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to end the Oilers comeback in a 4–3 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401675107 |title=Barkov, Bobrovsky and the Panthers beat the Oilers 4-3 to move within win of Stanley Cup title |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=June 13, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> Facing elimination in Game 4 on June 15, McLeod was the last to score in what ended as a dominating 8–1 victory over the Panthers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/oilers-panthers-stanley-cup-final-june-15-1.7236311 |title=Oilers stay alive in Stanley Cup final with dominant win over Panthers in Game 4 |work=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |last=Clipperton |first=Joshua |date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> In Game 6 on June 21, still trying to stave off elimination, the Oilers won 5–1, with McLeod ending Panthers' attempts at a comeback by scoring an empty-net goal late in the third period.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/best-first-day-of-summer-ever-hockey-world-reacts-to-edmonton-oilers-against-florida-panthers-in-game-6 |title="From one of the worst Stanley cup finals to the BEST": Hockey world reacts to Edmonton Oilers slamming Florida Panthers in Game 6 |work=Edmonton Journal |last=Staples |first=David |date=June 21, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> Ultimately, the Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Finals to the Panthers in Game 7, with McLeod finishing the playoffs with four goals in 24 games.<ref name="hockeydb"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/stanley-cup-final-oilers-panthers-game-7-recap-1.7245053 |title=Oilers fall short of history as Panthers win Game 7 to capture 1st Stanley Cup title |work=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |last=Clipperton |first=Joshua |date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref>
===Buffalo Sabres=== McLeod was traded by the Oilers, alongside forward Tyler Tullio, to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward Matthew Savoie on July 5, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-acquire-matt-savoie-from-sabres |title=Release: Oilers acquire Matt Savoie from Sabres |publisher=Edmonton Oilers |via=NHL.com |date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=July 5, 2024}}</ref> McLeod made his Sabres debut on opening night on October 4, playing on the third line alongside Jordan Greenway and Jason Zucker. The game was played in Prague, Czech Republic, as part of the 2024 NHL Global Series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/new-jersey-devils-buffalo-sabres-game-preview-october-4 |title=Devils at Sabres |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |date=October 3, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> He recorded his first point with Buffalo on October 12, assisting on Mattias Samuelsson's goal in the second period of a 5–2 victory over the Florida Panthers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-fla/2024/10/12/2024020025 |title=Ruff, Sabres defeat Panthers for 1st win of season |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |last=Engel |first=Heather |date=October 12, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> On October 16, he scored his first goal for the franchise in a 6–5 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-pit/2024/10/16/2024020057 |title=Crosby lifts Penguins past Sabres in OT, reaches 1,600 points |publisher=National Hockey League |website=NHL.com |last=Crosby |first=Wes |date=October 17, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> On January 15, 2025, McLeod scored his first career hat trick against the Carolina Hurricanes in a 4–2 win, with the third goal being an awarded goal after Hurricanes' defenceman Brent Burns interfered with McLeod.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/nhl/ryan-mcleod-scores-hat-trick-sabres-defeat-hurricanes-2025-01-16/ |title=Ryan McLeod scores hat trick as Sabres defeat Hurricanes |work=Reuters |date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref>
==Personal life== McLeod was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, the son of Richard and Judi McLeod and first learned to skate on their backyard rink at the age of 18 months.<ref name="athletic">{{cite web|title=Get ready for Ryan McLeod: What led to the Oilers prospect's expected Monday debut — and what his impact might be|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2543015/2021/04/26/get-ready-for-ryan-mcleod-what-led-to-the-oilers-prospects-expected-monday-debut-and-what-his-impact-might-be/|work=The Athletic|last=Nugent-Bowman|first=Daniel|date=April 26, 2021|access-date=April 26, 2021|url-access=subscription}}</ref> He has two older brothers who also play professional ice hockey, Matt who plays for the Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland and Michael, who plays in Russia.<ref name="athletic" />
In childhood, McLeod was a fan of both the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, and said he favoured the Oilers because his favourite player growing up was Ryan Smyth.<ref>{{cite news |last=Swane |first=Brian |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/oilers-ryan-mcleod-get-to-know/ |title=Oilers' Ryan McLeod: 5 Things to Know About Edmonton's Rookie Call-Up |work=The Hockey Writers |date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=October 3, 2022 }}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Regular season and playoffs=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em;" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! rowspan="98" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Regular season ! rowspan="98" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Playoffs |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- | 2013–14 | Toronto Marlboros | GTHL | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2014–15 | Toronto Marlboros | GTHL | 74 | 30 | 51 | 81 | 46 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2014–15 | Oakville Blades | OJHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2015–16 | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | 62 | 7 | 13 | 20 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |- | 2016–17 | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | 68 | 9 | 33 | 42 | 36 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 20 | 2 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2017–18 | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | 68 | 26 | 44 | 70 | 26 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 |- | 2018–19 | Mississauga Steelheads | OHL | 32 | 12 | 26 | 38 | 17 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2018–19 | Saginaw Spirit | OHL | 31 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 16 | 17 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 4 |- | 2018–19 | Bakersfield Condors | AHL | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2019–20 | Bakersfield Condors | AHL | 56 | 5 | 18 | 23 | 22 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2020–21 | EV Zug | NL | 15 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2020–21 | Bakersfield Condors | AHL | 28 | 14 | 14 | 28 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2020–21 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2021–22 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 71 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 12 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 8 |- | 2021–22 | Bakersfield Condors | AHL | 7 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2022–23 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 57 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 2 |- | 2023–24 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 81 || 12 || 18 || 30 || 10 | 24 || 4 || 0 || 4 || 16 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2024–25 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 79 | 20 | 33 | 53 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2025–26 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 81 | 14 | 40 | 54 | 16 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 |- |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | NHL totals ! 379 ! 66 ! 116 ! 182 ! 72 ! 69 ! 8 ! 10 ! 18 ! 28 |- |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | NL totals ! 15 ! 4 ! 7 ! 11 ! 10 ! — ! — ! — ! — ! — |}
===International=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- | 2015 | Canada White | U17 | {{gold1}} | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2016 | Canada | IH18 | 5th | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="4" | Junior totals ! 10 ! 0 ! 1 ! 1 ! 8 |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{icehockeystats|hockeydb=187431|elite=271502|nhl=8480802}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McLeod, Ryan}} Category:1999 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen Category:Bakersfield Condors players Category:Buffalo Sabres players Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Canadian ice hockey centres Category:Edmonton Oilers draft picks Category:Edmonton Oilers players Category:EV Zug players Category:Ice hockey people from Mississauga Category:Mississauga Steelheads players Category:Saginaw Spirit players