DRAFT: Oilers acquire size, speed up the middle with McLeod

DALLAS, TX - With the 40th-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Oilers selected Mississauga Steelheads centre Ryan McLeod.
The 6-foot-2 pivot is capable of scoring after registering 70 points in 68 games last season but McLeod will tell you his best asset is skating.
"I'm a fast, skilled, playmaking centre," the second rounder, who went from nine goals in 2016-17 to 26 in 2017-18, said.

McLeod has a pair of brothers, Matt and Michael, and says skating is in their bloodline.
"We're all really good skaters and it just runs in the family," he said. "It's nice to have two older brothers who can lead you through."
McLeod admitted he was a big Oilers fan growing up. He typically keeps his hair long, especially when competing in postseason play, and that's because Ryan Smyth was his on-ice inspiration as a child.
"I just loved the way he (Smyth) played and his hair, too."
McLeod noted the Oilers interviewed him at the NHL Scouting Combine earlier in the month, saying he and the brass, "got a good feel for each other." The centre also talked highly of Oilers Captain Connor McDavid, a player he hopes to learn from as he continues developing his game.

"You watch him play in the OHL and see him play now, he's so good," McLeod said of McDavid. "You want to model your game after him or just take little things from his game. It's going to be great seeing him skate out there and a huge honour."
Confidence isn't an issue for McLeod, who thinks he's not far off from making the jump to pro.
"I think I'm pretty close," he said. "I think my body is set to play in the League. I just have to work on a few things and I'll be good to go."
McLeod's speed will be on display in Edmonton at Oilers Rookie Camp, which begins Monday but for now, the prospect is going to soak up the experience of being selected by his childhood team.
"It's a dream come true. You think about it when you're a kid. I couldn't be happier to be in Edmonton. It's such a relief to be with such a great franchise."