Senor Catface
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Confirmed with Link: [EDM/BUF] McLeod + Tullio for Matt Savoie
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Lay Z Boy GM
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I’m kinda fine losing McLeod even now. Where would he play on our team? 4th line? That’s a waste and too much cap. Maybe on Henrique’s wing? That could have worked and he’d still have a role on the PK, at 2mil that’s not bad actually.
But man he just looked nutless in the playoffs.. maybe the mix we have now isn’t better, but we had to try to change the complexion of the roster a little bit.
You definitely saw flashes of a more offensive player in both McLeod and Foegele, but basically only when playing with Drai and they weren’t consistent enough to stay on his line.
I’m fine turning the page on those guys, it’s just too bad Skinner and Arvidsson basically look like Foegele and McLeod did when they were Oilers.. our bottom 6 is weird, no matter who it is they rarely seem to score, multiple coaches, many different players, same story.
But man he just looked nutless in the playoffs.. maybe the mix we have now isn’t better, but we had to try to change the complexion of the roster a little bit.
You definitely saw flashes of a more offensive player in both McLeod and Foegele, but basically only when playing with Drai and they weren’t consistent enough to stay on his line.
I’m fine turning the page on those guys, it’s just too bad Skinner and Arvidsson basically look like Foegele and McLeod did when they were Oilers.. our bottom 6 is weird, no matter who it is they rarely seem to score, multiple coaches, many different players, same story.
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
- Mar 3, 2004
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Thats just it though. When McLeod was traded he was younger and bigger than Eberle when Eberle left the team.
I see no reason at all for him not to add some additional sandpaper to his game as he becomes more confident in his size.
McLeod is also a much better skater and a better defensive player than Eberle.
I see no reason at all why Eberle is capable of adding some sandpaper and McLeod isnt.
McDNicks17
Moderator
I think the difference is McLeod has always been that player. He was afraid of contact even back before junior.
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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So was Eberle. He added a little bit of sandpaper to his game after he left Edmonton.
So players can change and McLeod (lke Eberle) doesnt have to make big changes...he doesnt have to be a bruiser. He just has to get comfortable getting in the mix.
With his size (6'3" and approaching 195+ lbs) and his elite level skating he is a better bet than Eberle was to be able to add some sandpaper to his game.
It will be interesting to revisit this trade in a couple of years because (as I posted earlier) I think the Oilers made a mistake. McLeod has a big upside and the team invested a lot of time in developing this player. That trade (for a smallish player) has also moved the clock back 3 years in terms of expecting a meaningful contribution at the NHL level.
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Agree to disagree.
McLeod has never been that guy and I’m not sure why we’re comparing him to Eberle.
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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Eberle never was that guy either.
Anyway McLeod just turned 25...we shall see how things play out.
McDNicks17
Moderator
Eberle was fine with contact until Jack Johnson nearly ended him. He was soft for a bit after that, but regained his form after leaving.
McLeod, on the other hand, has never shown any signs of that type of game.
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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Eberle really never was a player that would go into heavy areas of the ice. Part of that was because he was a smallish player.
In any event, as I said earlier...we shall see how it plays out for McLeod.
I’m only really negative about hockey.
Tobi acts like he is any better or any different but look how he acts with certain players. He’s just as negative n
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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We all have our negative moments. I have had plenty of them.
Are you saying though that there is nothing hockey related (about this team) that you have a positive take on?
Never said that at all.We all have our negative moments. I have had plenty of them.
Are you saying though that there is nothing hockey related (about this team) that you have a positive take on?
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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Just clarifying.
So what aspects of the team do you have a positive take on?
I’m also positive about some things hockey.
Unlike you.
You thrive on negativity, enjoy bringing posters down to your level.
Eberle was also a much better player than McLeod when he was traded
McLeod’s in zone defense was almost as bad as eberle before he got traded
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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Much better offensive player. I would agree with that.
Eberle didnt PK though and his defence was very suspect so McLeod is the better player in those 2 areas.
But Eberle was a far more prolific scorer.
Makes no sense to randomly compare them just because of their lack of physicality.
McLeod wasn’t very strong at in zone defense imo.
His transition play was better though
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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McLeod is a much better defensive player.
They shared a trait (lack of sandpaper) that can be changed. That was the point.
McLeod had really improved in terms of his defensive game. Even in the playoffs he shut down some very good centres.
There is a lot of value in that.
Bryanbryoil
Pray For Ukraine
- Sep 13, 2004
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McLeod never looked the part grit wise. He could change if he really puts his mind to it but if I were a betting man I would lean heavily towards him continuing to be a soft player. Some guys nee to dig deep to be average grit wise while to others it's second nature. His brother for example was a lot grittier hockey player than Ryan is.
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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Thats a fair take.
Players sometimes take a bit longer to embrace a quality that is going to keep them in the League. Unless McLeod starts scoring at an accelerated rate he will need (IMO) to learn how to use his size to his advantage.
I am not ruling him out at all. I like a lot of what I saw in McLeod.
I will be curious to check back in in a year or so and see how he makes out.
Bryanbryoil
Pray For Ukraine
- Sep 13, 2004
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Even if he doesn't get grittier he can be a good PKer and a good zone entry guy with his skating and reach. If he gets grittier suddenly he might be a 2nd line NHL center.
Oilhawks
Like Some Snow-White Marble Eyes
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McLeod is a real killer too, especially in pillow fights
guymez
The Seldom Seen Kid
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I agree.
When you add that size to to elite skating and add some grit it makes for a hell of a player.
Trading McLeod wasn't necessarily the best for the Oilers with hindsight but it was the best for him. It was a self reflection trade. I doubt he ever becomes the player he is on Buffalo with the Oilers. If people are thinking we are getting the same guy from Buffalo, you're mistaken.
