CAMP: Dreaming out McLeod

EDMONTON, AB - The start of Training Camp always brings out the smiles in the Edmonton Oilers.
But among the biggest on Thursday morning was the cheek-to-cheek smirk of Ryan McLeod -- as it has been in the Oilers dressing room for the last two seasons and as it will remain for the upcoming year.
The 23-year-old was active and animated in the first on-ice session of Training Camp, being vocal while showing his enthusiasm for drills and just the simple feeling of being back around his teammates and coaches with a new contract for the 2022-23 NHL season.
McLeod put pen to paper on a new one-year deal early Thursday morning worth an average annual value (AAV) of $798,000 -- a number that shows just how little wiggle room there was for a new contract with how tight the Oilers are to the salary cap heading into the new campaign.
"Obviously, it's a process," McLeod said. "It took a while and there are a lot of other guys who needed to get signed and a lot of moving pieces with the cap not going up because of COVID, so it's tough to squeeze everyone in. But I'm happy with being back and it's a number that works for both myself and the team, so it's good to be back."
"We assumed it was going to be a one-year deal just with where the cap was at, so I didn't want to miss much time, especially because I'm betting on myself."

It was never in doubt to the Mississauga, ON product that a deal would get done and he'd be back on the ice sooner rather than later without the need of missing any preparation time for the coming campaign. Well before the start of Camp, McLeod was on the ice during informal skates as he didn't want any lack of a contract at the time getting in the way of preparing for a big season for the Oilers.
"It's a little bit stressful coming here without a deal, but I came back early and wanted to show everyone that I wanted to be here," he said. "I think everyone knew. We're tight to the cap and it just came down to the last minute, but it's good to be back and I'm happy it got done."
Missing part of Training Camp or the start of the regular season wasn't on the cards for McLeod, who understands his role to play in a group poised to push further into the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season after reaching the Western Conference Finals.
"I just think we have a good group here," he said. "I think we have a really good chance to do something special this year and I want to be a part of it. I didn't want to come in a couple of weeks later with a bit more money. I just don't think it was really worth it. If we have a good year, I think it's going to work out for a reason and I'm excited about this group. It should be a good year."
McLeod began last season with the Bakersfield Condors, but his next call-up to the Oilers would be his last as he was able to stick at the NHL level as a fast and versatile bottom-six option who grew as the season progressed.

The left-shot forward chipped in with nine goals and 12 assists in 71 games last season to go along with a further three goals and an assist in 16 post-season contests. McLeod also contributed on both the penalty kill and powerplay and has the potential this coming season to continue his special teams' presence and fill a role in the top-nine forwards for Head Coach Jay Woodcroft and his coaching staff.
"I think Ryan and where he's at in his life stage as a player, it's an exciting time in his career," Woodcroft said. "I thought he established himself as a full-time NHL hockey player last year, even though at the start he was in Bakersfield for a little bit. He had a great playoff run, put in a good summer, he's a physical phenom as well and skates great.
"I think he's trying to consistently play in our top nine. When he does that and commands his share of the ice, he's a difficult check. I would expect him to play on both special teams and he's like everybody else -- he had a good first day and he's looking to build on it for tomorrow."
McLeod feels more comfortable and prepared than ever to seize the opportunity this season thanks to his sky-high skill ceiling and belief in his own ability.
"I'm very motivated and excited for the opportunity and the challenge that comes with (playing top nine)," he said. "Just very excited and hoping to have a good start to the season and Training Camp.
"Just with the experience of being in the league, the confidence is going up. I think I've got the tools to be there, so I'm hoping I can keep working on my game and excel there."