NHL Rumors: What Oilers' Ryan McLeod's Next Contract Will Look Like

Ken Holland, general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, joined Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now to discuss a number of topics which includes what the next deal for talented young player and restricted free agent Ryan McLeod would look like.

Holland stated that it is an inevitability that McLeod will be signed and be in training camp for the Oilers. He doesn't have arbitration rights and getting him signed appears to be the final or close to the last piece of business this offseason for the Oilers. Holland also said that the deal may be a one or two year deal. That way it will act as a bridge deal and the team can get great value for Mcleod right now as they're strapped for cap, and the youngster can prove what he is worth and maybe even win something before he needs another contract.

It is not uncommon for Holland to sign his RFAs to short-term deals as Jesse Puljujarvi signed a two-year deal to re-join the team two seasons ago and a one-year deal just a short while ago. Kailer Yamamoto also signed a similar contract that matched the AAV of Puljujarvi for one year and is now signed for two years at $3.1. McLeod's deal will likely look like the previous contracts of Puljujarvi and Yamamoto in that he will make between $1-1.5 million.

McLeod started last season with the Oilers, got sent down, and quickly re-joined the team, making a big impact. He's fast, has great hands, and is strong defensively. He gives the Oilers that third line center they've been searching for to provide great play at both ends of the ice. He is also versatile and can play the wing. The sophomore was the team's swiss army knife last season and drove the second power-play unit that contributed quite a bit. The Oilers need him signed and they will get their wish soon enough.