NHL Rumors: Rangers & Sabres Linked To Trade

Saturday, February 22, 2025 ,

Arthur Staple of The Athletic has linked the Buffalo Sabres center Ryan McLeod to the New York Rangers ahead of the March 7 trade deadline if he becomes available. 

Rangers general manager Chris Drury is focused on acquiring a player who can contribute beyond this season rather than a short-term rental, and McLeod fits that mold. 

The 25-year-old center, a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights, carries a $2.1 million cap hit and has matched his career high with 12 goals. 

His recent offensive surge and ability to play a responsible two-way game make him an appealing option for the Rangers' third-line center role. “Would they be in the Ryan McLeod market should they find a fit with the Buffalo Sabres? Yeah, maybe,” Staple wrote.

McLeod has taken on a larger role in Buffalo after his time in Edmonton and believes he’s making strides offensively. 

“I feel comfortable here. I feel like I’ve been making a lot of good plays with the puck and getting a lot of chances,” he told The Buffalo News. 

While Staple doesn’t expect the Rangers to pursue pure rentals like Ryan Donato, McLeod remains a viable option if the Sabres decide to move him. 

Through 51 games played this season, McLeod has 12 goals and 28 points, just two points away from tying his career-high which he set in Edmonton last season across 81 games.

Another potential target is Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic, though acquiring him would likely be more costly. Drury's approach suggests he is looking for a long-term addition while still addressing the Rangers’ depth for a playoff push.

Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images 

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