NHL Rumors: McLeod Could Be Close To Re-Signing With Oilers

Ryan McLeod is the last player the Edmonton Oilers have yet to sign in a stellar offseason by Ken Holland. Thus far, Kailer Yamamoto, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Tyler Benson have been re-signed as restricted free agents while Evander Kane, Brett Kulak, Jack Campbell, Mattias Janmark, and Ryan Murray have been signed as unrestricted free agents.

It doesn't appear that McLeod is holding out on the Oilers, a point both sides are happy with right now just hasn't been reached yet. The Oilers indicated that McLeod, along with a few others, have joined the group for an informal skate before training camp. This is not what a player who either doesn't want to be there or who is far away from reaching a deal would act. He would likely be training by himself or away from the team.

MORE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN! 😎

Bouchard, McLeod, Ryan & Janmark join the group for an informal skate ahead of #Oilers training camp. pic.twitter.com/4T8rzMvE6C
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 6, 2022

The fact that he is with the team early and re-signing the young centerman has to be at the top of Holland's to-do list, we could be hearing of an extension within the next week or two.

McLeod is coming off a successful rookie season where the growth throughout the year was very noticeable. He is a swiss army knife for the Oilers, able to play anywhere and be effective at five-on-five or special teams. He finished his first season with nine goals and 21 points in 71 games. But as he is likely to play in a larger role in 2022-23, the expectation for him will be more.

Seeing McLeod is around the team and wants to be there is great news for the Oilers as he is a very skilled depth option and piece of the future.