The Sabre Roundtable: Episode 77 - RYAN MCLEOD IS A BUFFALO SABRE

In this episode, Jonah and JP breakdown everything having to do with the 'Matthew Savoie for Ryan McLeod (& Tyler Tullio)' trade.
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[@kodyknight273]

Coming from a Canucks fan, you guys have a shot at being a playoff team next year if some of your top guys return to form and Luukkonen continues his good play in net. The additions of Zucker, Malenstyn, McLeod, Lafferty and Aube-Kubel, provide some good role players. They make the Sabres tougher to play against and you guys have one of the best up n coming bluelines in the league. Id say you guys have had an excellent offseason.

[@john60123]

I agree Playoff possibility coming. from a Calgary fan. New Coach with experience.

[@nersharific813]

I really appreciate a positive take on this trade. Doomerism on social media about this trade has been exhausting.

[@heftygainz]

Im so fucking tired of the doomers. They are absolutely miserable

[@jasoncrandall73]

They wanted a trade. They wanted Free Agents. GMKA makes a trade. Now it's a issue with the prospect involved. 🙄

[@micman823]

Oilers fan here. This is not a bad trade like everyone is suggesting. So y’all are right, this will make your sabre team better. McLeod is solid. I’ve complained maybe once or twice about his play.

[@jasoncrandall73]

@micman823 Smart move by GMKA. Mitts wanted to much on a extension. For under $6 million this season GMKA has B. Byrum & R. McLeod on the team filling 2 spots on the roster.

[@zwhit5760]

If you're looking on facebook, 90% of those people simply dont know hockey. I stay out of the comments section on FB. If I want to talk Sabres with people that actually know hockey it's reddit or Die By The Blade

[@Brent-cr5gp]

Edm fan first time watching your podcast! Super impressed with your hockey knowledge McCloud is a solid 3rd line center who will surprise you with a few big goals and a great penalty killer! Comes from a winning culture Win win for both edm and buffalo

[@Optimization_Coach]

WE can only pray he comes through in Buffalo. Guarantee you Lindy Ruff has a vision and his influence to change course for the Sabres is a plus over what Granato was bringing to the table.

[@TheSabreReport]

Appreciate the insight! We’re wishing Savoie all the best!

[@erikelrojo99]

Oilers fan here... most fans liked McLeod more on the wing. But he will definitely help you defensively and transporting the puck north quickly up the ice, biggest complain was that he was a perimeter player, so hopefully you have more sandpaper on that 3rd line to balance McLeod non-physicality.

[@bajjanitor]

That's probably his long term landing spot if he stays with Buffalo. Buffalo have plenty of centers in the prospect pool. Someone as fast as he is makes more sense on the wing so he can pressure defensemen at the blue line with his speed and reach, be a breakaway threat and so he can get in fast on the forecheck.

[@Robb912]

The Oilers did it to stay under the cap

[@susanslisz8786]

These young kids put together a really good conversation. Really brought out the need for a quality role player. They looked at what the Sabres needed more then what they gave up . Time will tell .

[@corerl26]

W episode boys love to see the positivity

[@roypark8029]

Lifelong oilers fan here. McLeod is a very good player. I do not think he ever hits 20G (unless he gets a lot of pp time, but the opportunity cost is taking that pp time from a very talented offensive prospect pool in buffalo, so probably better not playing him on pp). However, it took oilers a long time to learn that there is an equally important need for solid 2-way players and McLeod is super fast (maybe the fastest player in NHL without the puck) and a top pk forward. He will help you win games.

[@inducedcomics]

McLeod is a solid player. He's not the most physical but he is really fast, and could be a really good compliment to some higher end top 6 players. Wishing him the best.

[@everythingmainecooncat4938]

Oilers fan here too - Just wishing Clouder all the best, he's a great kid. Please don't get mixed up with the bullcrap Micheal has done, he's not his brother. He has nothing to do with that, he wasn't even on that team. I've seen some of that on twitter and it's just not fair. I think this is one trade can work for both teams and I'll be rooting for you guys to make the playoffs. The writing was on the wall here for McLeod as soon as they brought back Henrique to be their 3C. The couldn't afford him to be a 4C for what he makes and their cap situation. His game is speed speed speed. Great PKer. Plays a bit too much on perimeter and is allergic to contact - if he could ever figure that out he'd be a top 6F but he's been that way since junior so I wouldn't expect that to change. Also, he's probably in line for a bit of a raise next year. I think they look at a guy like Savoie being able to contribute on his ELC in the next few years as very attractive. Especially with Draisaitl and Bouchard needing big raises next year, every little bit of savings helps.

[@martymilner6714]

Oiler fan here: Don’t mean to take all the wind out of your sails but I’m here to tell you that although he has size and definitely NHL speed ( probably second fastest to McDavid, McLeod just refused to go into the dirty areas on a constant bases. We saw too many fly-bys when he had a clear opportunity to lay the body and the play more often than not died in his stick. What you traded for , folks, is a solid depth 3/4 line player. I wish Ryan only the very best in his stay with the Sabres. Oilers needed to see more from Ryan and he didn’t deliver.

[@brianjones7660]

Potential is from the Latin word for "hasn't done anything". Remember that.

[@neillore7332]

Oilers fan here. You guys paid a steep price, but you got a good one. You're gonna like McLeod.

[@josefjakubec8935]

Everyone wanted a sandpaper, size, depth and grit and when Adams pulls the trigger in a free agency on a role players with a pride of what they do best the fanbase is loosing their marbles. I understand these are not a flashy moves but man, this team just desperately needed some identity and if it's going to make them extremely tough to play against I am all for it. Even if Adams overpaid this will just create a depth on their roster...they had none in previous years pass the second line.

[@codyge18]

in all of the moves, the complaint isnt the player or move, its the massive over pay that makes our GM look like he is weak

[@johncrossley-hall9366]

Oilers fan here...I live in Edmonton. Ryan is going to rock your world! Why did we trade him? Cause we had to for cap...He will be missed by the city...big time. Wait till he smiles. Oh yeah, man can he skate and his PK? just watch. You got a great player

[@jvm30]

Ppl want the team to make the playoffs / be a contender and win now, but don't want to make the trades that need to be made. This is a "win now" trade. You can't put together a playoff team and keep all your top pieces, a few have to go, which is what fans seem to want Kevin to be able to do. Sabres fans will never be happy hahaha. The only way buffalo is getting any top players is through trades, and they might still even retire after being traded to Buffalo, that's how much players do not want to play here

[@docdiggler6581]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sabres make the playoffs this year thanks to the special team boost Clouder is gonna give you guys. We got weaker in the short term losing McLeod.

[@eciura1]

Only time will tell. Savoie is unproven and years away. McLeod is 24 only! His game can still grow leaps and bounds as well - but you can't teach speed, he's already got that!! We'll see!!!!

[@Avery-ux9wx]

Please take care of Clouder Sabres fans. He was definitely a fan favorite back in Edmonton.

[@Thehockeyoutsider99]

Mcleod is a good pick up for Buffalo, he's young, his contract is good. he plays hard. Mcleod was very good in the Stanley Cup Finals, that's what matters. The prospect being traded is just that " a prospect that may be a bust" Good trade Buffalo, you got a proven Stanley Cup player.

[@brianjones7660]

Prospect. From a Latin word meaning "hasnt done a thing yet".... We have a closet full of lawn jockey sized skaters that cant hold the seat down at a CinePlex theater, and Savoie has been passed by Kulich and Rosen and Ostlund, all playing against grown men in the AHL or Europe. Savoie has put up XBox numbers against kids soon to start shaving out in Western canada. A year in Bakersfield will show us. We got a PK demon who is Top 5 speed wise in most appraisals, and 50% on FOs. NHL active today, no room in EDM to push his way up. Take this trade all day long.

[@mrSteele1]

Oiler fan here. McLeod is one of the fastest players in the league, but really only uses that speed for defensive work. Doesn’t really drive to the net much, needs to work on that. Could also be more physical for his size. But he’s elite defensively and was probably the best pure defensively player on Oilers. Good PKer. I could see him working on the wing with Tage Thomson

[@brycecongdon6406]

Oil fan, Really enjoyed the pod, Will say Mcleod was 4th lining for the finals after the henrique line picked up steam but hes a great forward. Frustrating offensively but amazing defensively

[@senkofam]

The problem with the trade is they let a player go we haven't seen in the ahl yet we don't know what he could of been. But we have seen the other kids in the ahl. My issue is why wouldn't you try and dump one of our ahl players that been in the system for a few years.

[@senkofam]

I mean he had a cup of coffee in the ahl that's it.

[@ManofPeel]

After reading these comments, this is both the worst and best trade to ever happen

[@zwhit5760]

I personally think we dodged a bullet. I like Savoie but he was always trade bait to me and after another injury during the worlds, my feelings on that only further solidified

[@robertpimpo4698]

Nice news but not enough trades have been done to put them over the hump

[@ti5826]

McLeod I see getting better offensively with age or with some quality wingers, could work out great for you. While our prospect pool is weak Tullio was one of my favourites to make the nhl in some role, should be a win/win trade

[@heftygainz]

Thank you for actually being logical about the trade. There's way too many morons flooding social media with their doomer bullshit.

[@rileywitiw6297]

You’ll like McLeod a lot - not a guy you should rely on for scoring (although I think there is more there), but he’ll be the zippy defensive conscience of the team that consistently pushes play in the right direction. Add in that he’s young RFA with room to grow and he’s an underrated acquisition. That said, I do think the trade is a bit lopsided in the Oilers favour. McLeod never quite everything management wanted in a 3C which is why they replaced him with Henrique. But I’m going to miss McLeod in our lineup.

[@blueberry7938]

He wasn't the 3rd line center in the finals, Henrique was and Mcleod was scratched a few games. Came back into the lineup as a winger.

[@rodneymassarella5029]

They were backed up at center.

[@josefjakubec8935]

Just look at the size on that third and fourth line, my god...they will be deadly.

[@heartoftexas8092]

I like Mcleod but wish they would have traded Rosen.

[@elmo6620]

Why would you overpay for a player a team has to get rid of because of cap space. I haven't been this pissed since the Skinner signing. Adams paid to much for Beck Malenstyn also. Could have used that pick maybe to get Chicrymn

[@joewlosjosephwlos5713]

Sabres have way to many of the same guys, 5'9/5'11. I hope they are building an actual team, they need speed and rougher players.

[@brettcampbell4323]

He was on the wing most of the playoffs

[@charlieb308]

McLeod had 27 hits in 24 playoff games, Buffalo players like skinner had 10 hits in 80 games, not many Sabres forwards were close to even 1 hit per game

[@brianjones7660]

what he adds to BUF is 50% on FOs, 4 goals in the SCF series, and PK extraordinaire in the finals.And next- level speed to burn. Beats Savoie 's accomplishments to date....

[@senkofam]

What about Jonathan toews? He might be coming back into the league but at age 36 might not be worth the gamble.

[@user-gr1gy9rq4h]

The Sabres have not been successful for so long they seem to be swinging for anything that mixes things up. Losing begets losing. Savoie may be an eventual star but the Sabres need to shake things up

[@chelseahunter2176]

So many times I saw McLeod flying down and I thought it was mcdavid. He is VERY FAST and I think has 50+ point potential, especially with an injury if he moves up from time to time. And I agree that Savoie is expendable. With top 2 lines filled up except a winger, we need a 3c now and have Kulich, Helenius and ostland for future with kulich a potential top winger

[@chelseahunter2176]

With Edmonton no one plays much except Connor and Leon. Those other guys go 5-6 shifts without touching the ice, especially late in games

[@458joey]

I've been a savoie fan ever since he was challenging shane wright and the Russian for number 1 mock draft. I'm sorry but I believe the Sabres just traded a Daniel Briere type player. A better version of Briere too. I had visions of Benton to savoie plays for years to come.

[@BillyBuffalo354]

He was, when he 16/17, then his draft year happened and he wasn't near them.

[@billsfan7883]

Peterka - McLloud - Thompson Quinn - Cozens - Tuch Zucker - Benson - Greenway Malenstyn - Lafferty - Aube-Kubel Byram - Dahlin Power - Jokiharju Samuelsson - Clifton UPL Levi

[@BillyBuffalo354]

Are you high making McLeod top line Center?

[@JoshDragRace0688]

Seeing a lot of comments from Oiler fans saying this guy doesn't really forecheck, doesn't hit, he is not strong carrying the puck, and his hands / shot are mediocre at best. He is straight up a north to south super fast skater who can be pretty good defensively but is inconsistent at times having fans calling for him to be benched, 12 goals in 81 games played is not what I would call stellar 3rd line center production... Okposo had 12 goals in 61 games ffs. And Savoie has top 6 potential, its not about him not fitting our lineup currently or possibly in the future, its a 9th overall pick we traded for a borderline 3rd line center. The asset management there is terrible, Kevyn got fleeced in most people around the NHL's eyes. Especially because it was a needed cap dump for the Oilers on top of it all. Also is McLeod staying with us long-term or he hits arbitration next season and he is gone in 2 seasons?

[@jamesmiller6217]

Great post, Josh. We got hosed in this trade. Adams should be fired, unless Terry made this trade, which is possible.

[@Robb912]

hes just an average grinder

[@charlieb308]

3 goals in cup finals you forgot that

[@gilles11dupuis]

Lindy Ruff is back

[@user-bj6xr1sx5e]

Check your facts guys. McLeod had the 4th most PK minutes for EDM in the playoffs. McLeod also lost his 3C spot due to his weaker defensive play and lack of physicality in the playoffs, he was healthy scratched in round 3 and was shifted to the wing for a few games and then down to the 4th in the cup final. Buyer beware, McLeod will never be the physical presence that he needs to be an effective defensive center, he lacks offensive finishing ability and is nearly allergic to gaining body positioning anywhere near the net. Enjoy all the fly bys and failed attempts to effectively check opposing players. Good enough in the regular season, ghost level disappearance in the playoffs

[@sinizin]

Sadly this is true. I get them trying to be so positive. Us Oilers fans tried to justify all our horrible GM's trades in the decade of darkness too. The entire vocal fan base over social media and talk radio etc in the cup final wanted them to bench McLeod. Over guys like Derek Ryan. WHY? Because he just flys by and never throws a check or takes one. Biggest wuss player in years. Truthfully believe at max he's a non-physical, PK 3rd liner on a bad team. Loved his speed and smile, so I hope he finally finds that next gear and proves me wrong and makes me regret losing him.

[@BillyBuffalo354]

​@sinizin I mean, sure, but if anyone can put the fear of God in him to grow that side of his game its Lindy Ruff, or he simply won't play. Savoie looked overwhelmed with the size & physicality of the AHL, and was so out of place in his 1 NHL game that the coach only played him 3 mins. Plus he's been hurt every season since being drafted and was a no show at WJC. He's the perfect example of boom or bust prospect.

[@charlieb308]

Enjoy Savioe, who is 5’7”, 140lb, plays like a girl and is hurt every week

[@michaelschroeder8005]

Not sure if it sent “shock waves” through the NHL. Mitch Marner gets moved - “shock waves” - intriguing though. On the surface, seems like an overpayment to those that aren’t really plugged in to Sabres, especially with Lindy Ruff back. Being defensively responsible, with a good deal of playoff experience and still just 24, and with speed to burn. Step back and it makes sense - especially with the cupboard pretty full of prospects. Also, I keep hearing Adams is on the “hot seat” and feeling pressure. I don’t see Terry pushing Kevyn out unless the season ahead is a disaster. He invested years getting GMKA ready for his role … he feels comfortable with him there, like Brandon Beane with the Bills. Pegula loves KA - don’t see him going anywhere.

[@leedag5089]

You can definitely tell you guys have never watched Mcleod play. Dont bother with the stats ask yourself why a cup contending team thats up against the cap would rather have someone like 39 year old corey Perry than Mcleod. Do a little soul searching here fellas your poverty franchise just did something stupid again.

[@BillyBuffalo354]

You seem like a really nice person

[@306-fromthestix]

He's a fast but soft player. Enjoy😂

[@BillyBuffalo354]

Who Savoie?? Yeah pretty much. Been injured every year since being drafted. He'll really be a big help in the playoffs at 5'9, lol.

[@306-fromthestix]

@@BillyBuffalo354 no ,,,McLeod,, enjoy

[@306-fromthestix]

@@BillyBuffalo354 you might want to look at the games McLeod has missed during his short career

[@brianjones7660]

@@306-fromthestix and his 4 SCF goals.....50% FOs.....top PK man.....Savoie has done just what at this level? Oh, 3 minutes at one game then back down. Hmmmm, what to do?

[@Kmoten10]

You guys sound pretty happy about being robbed blind.

[@BillyBuffalo354]

We'll see. I loved Savoie in WHL, but he was no show in world juniors, and looked like a completely overwhelmed deer in headlights playing against men for the first time in the AHL. Then he got 1 game in the NHL and was so out of place that he only played 3 mins the entire game. Also has been hurt every year since being drafted.

[@whatajokesicpuppies]

@@BillyBuffalo354 Deer in the headlights scored twice and had 5 points in 6 games in the AHL that's high end for any rookie in that defensive league

[@giannirocky747]

buffalo is finished has a hockey team trading savoie finished has a hockey team

[@derrickb2398]

This move doesn't make us better we need top 6 forward 2 of the. To be exact this team is worse

[@BillyBuffalo354]

Whooooo boy, where to begin with your guys' "take"....1st, I appreciate your optimism & enthusiasm regarding the trade, & the roster overall. It is actually a bit refreshing. However, allow me to tell you why you're fundamentally wrong about the trade being good: - First, on Savoie - he led not just WHL in scoring (by pts/game), but the entire CHL across all 3 leagues. He had over 2 ppg for not one, but 2 different teams. Hes also produced at a ridiculous rate in the playoffs 3 straight years. And sure, Firkus led Moose Jaw in the playoffs this year, but, he was also playing with Brayden Yaeger on his line, while Savoie was driving his own line almost exclusively on his own, creating all of the offense, while having to play with Atley Calvert (who's production skyrocketed after Savoie's arrival), and Martin Rysavvy. What did the coach do when Firkus' line was getting shut down in the WHL final? Put Savoie up there to overwhelm with his speed & creativity. Savoie also was on 5th different team by the end of the year, playin in the Mem Cup, after having gone to WHL final last season, so id bet he was a bit gassed by the end. Not only that but he also had 5pts in 6 AHL gms, however small the sample may be. -2nd w/ Savoie - he's also wildly underrated defensively, as for the 3rd consecutive season, he was a finalist for the WHL top defensive fwd award. - he's got dynamic skill and speed, is one of the best skaters in the last 5 drafts, plus shooter, finishes from distance & in close, can create as good as he finishes, not afraid at all to throw his body, take a hit, get to the dirty areas, and is equally effective on the wing as at center. He also put up some of the best collective numbers at the CHL top Prospects combine they've ever seen. On to the trade itself: - 1st & foremost, & I can't say it loud enough...YOU DON'T trade the former 9th OA pk from just 2 yrs ago, one of the league's top prospects, who's 3 yr ELC STILL hasn't even begun for a 3rd line center who was the main reason Edmonton has been so unsatisfied in recent years with their C depth, so much so that they moved him to wing (often on the 4th line) & traded for a 34 y/o Adam Henrique, who they re-signed instead of keeping McLeod!! It's terrible asset management! Especially when they are desperate for cap relief!! And, when you have a ton of cap space to go out and overpay for a 3C. Why trade the 9th OA pick for something you can afford in to overspend on in free agency?!? Again, just from an asset management perspective, it's a total failure. Lastly, McLeod just put up career highs last season in every category w/ 12G 18A 30pts in his 3rd full season. Does anyone really doubt that Savoie couldn't have done that this year, as a rookie, considering Benson just did virtually the same in fewer games, as an 18 yr old?? I'm summary, you give up a top prospect w/ 3yrs left on his ELC, for a bottom 6 player, with a ton of cap space still unused even after RFAs are signed, to a team who already traded to replace the guy you're aquiring, who is desperate to offload some cap, to play the position the other team determined he wasn't good enough to play and replaced with a 35+ yr old...sure, a trade was desired, and ppl were willing to move a high end prospect, but for a top 6 fwd, not a bottom 6. If Adams wasn't desperate, he likely is able to hold off, and make this deal for Krebs & a 2nd rd pk, which even then, I think is a bit rich.

[@chrisnelson3046]

Wow just wow.....forsberg for Martin erat anyone.... Anyone.... Anyone.... Buffalo forever a laughing stock of a franchise

[@BillyBuffalo354]

Lol, if Savoie becomes forsberg, sure. Won't find out for quite some time bc he's likely not even making the team

[@Buffalo_Mafia1]

Lol if you're comparing this McLeod trade to the Forsberg trade you have zero hockey IQ or knowledge of the game. Martin Erat was a 30+ declining vet and McLeod is a 24 year old that hasn't hit his prime and didn't Forsberg have a decent amount of AHL experience before being traded.

[@eciura1]

Erat was 30-something, McLeod is only 24 with speed and game potential to grow.

[@EdwardRobelo]

worst trade ever...

[@jamesmiller6217]

Horrible trade. Worst Adams move yet. Fireable.

[@johncrossley-hall9366]

Sabres fans...you have no idea what you just got in Mcleod.

[@wesleyrempel1438]

It’s a horrible trade and Adams should be FIRED

[@remmost9688]

Edmonton fan here….. you guys got hosed …. Huge overpayment for McLeod. (And ps….. NOBODY was surprised/upset we traded him….. we had cap issues and he was the odd man looking in) 💯

[@BillyBuffalo354]

You have no idea. Savoie has just as good a chance at being a bust as he does at being a boom

[@remmost9688]

@@BillyBuffalo354 you really don’t get it when I said this was an overpayment …. Oilers would have been happy to get rid of McLeod for a bag of pucks at training camp in a couple of months when they were over the cap space… we are in win NOW mode… this kid can be a bust and it really doesn’t matter

[@brianjones7660]

@@remmost9688 Savoie = bag of pucks.