C Ryan McLeod (2018, 40th, EDM)

[Hinterland]

Like I said...I know he can skate and make plays...He's got the talent but can he win board battles or throw hits? That, for me, will be interesting to see. He frustrated coaches with that lack of grit in recent years.

 

[voxel]

Like I said...I know he can skate and make plays...He's got the talent but can he win board battles or throw hits? That, for me, will be interesting to see. He frustrated coaches with that lack of grit in recent years.

He's like a slightly softer Nuge. He can win board battles just fine but rarely hits. Last season, he was allergic to physical contact but this season he will deke through two D-men occasionally and not avoid the slot area (this drove me nuts). He's physically ready for the NHL since the AHL is a bit of a goon league and everybody finishes checks. Ryan handles physical play without issues. He could gain another 10-15lbs because he's still pretty slight.

Funny about comments in this thread. I always considered Mike the grittier/thicker player but from the measurements - Ryan is heavier.

Maybe my standards are high but I don't see Ryan McLeod as a 2C (that's my projection for Turcotte and what I've always thought Brayden Schenn was since draft). He's a faster Ryan Strome, so I can envision him scoring 12G-18A on the Oilers as a 3C in a season or two.

 

[ChaoticOrange]

Confirmed to be making his NHL debut tonight against Winnipeg, as 3C with Shore and Archibald.

 

[McFlyingV]

Could be a nice boost for the Oilers if he sticks. I still imagine him as the Oilers 3C of the future because he plays a good 2-way game. Would love to see him get a bit stronger and fill out a bit more to fill that role, but for now his speed and ability to make plays should be a nice boost to the Oilers bottom 6. The fact that he's responsible defensively should get him some leash with Tippett that Bouchard wasn't given this season.

He almost made the team out of camp straight out of the draft so I'm excited to see how he does because his game has grown a lot the past 2 seasons. Far less perimeter play, far better consistency, and has really just rounded out his game nicely. I'm still not sold on the offence being there to be more than a middle 6er, but he's exactly what the team needs and thats why I liked this pick so much when the Oilers made it.

 

[Draiskull]

is he going to wear #9 ?
McLeod 9

 

[snipes]

is he going to wear #9 ?
McLeod 9

71.

9 is retired (Glenn Anderson).

Looking forward to his debut tonight.

 

[McTonyBrar]

Looked really good in his first game. Playing C right away and he passed with flying colours. I don't know where people saw him not winning board battles lmfao. He was very good with board work last night