Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres agree to trade

McLeod scored 12 goals and recorded 18 assists in 81 games with the Oilers last season. In 24 playoff games, McLeod scored four goals, including three in the Stanley Cup Final as the Oilers battled to erase a 3-0 series deficit. McLeod has one year remaining on the contract he signed with the Oilers before last season. However, McLeod was eyeing a possible role on the fourth line after the Oilers re-signed Adam Henrique and signed Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner.

Trade has important capitalization implications

The McLeod trade clears $2.1 million of their cap space for the upcoming season. The Oilers have spent up to the cap to remain a contender in the Western Conference. However, star forward Leon Draisaitl is expected to re-sign after this upcoming season. Additionally, reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Connor McDavid is expected to re-sign in two seasons. Draisaitl and McDavid are generational talents and have been key pieces of the Oilers’ consistent run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team is unlikely to let either of them go.

McLeod’s role in Buffalo

Going from the Stanley Cup Final to Buffalo will certainly be an adjustment for McLeod. The Sabres are far from ready to compete for a playoff spot. However, McLeod will most likely earn a top-nine spot on the forward line. A productive season could make McLeod trade-deadline bait for the Sabres. McLeod could find himself on a waiting list again.

Additionally, as a soon-to-be free agent, a strong season will allow him to attract attention on the free-agent market. Centers were a hot commodity in this year’s free-agent class. McLeod could play for a title contender and could earn a nice contract this summer.

Who wins this trade?

Both teams win this trade because they both get something they need. The Oilers free up some cap space as they look to re-sign their stars. The Sabres get someone who can play in their top-9 and could be traded for draft capital. The teams are in different situations right now, but this trade has the potential to benefit both teams.