In a move that isn’t that surprising, Ryan McLeod has filed for salary arbitration against the Edmonton Oilers. The young centerman who has played his whole young career with the Oilers is looking to secure a bigger paycheck after taking a small payment last season.
McLeod, who was drafted by the Oilers in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, was a standout player for the team last season. He played in 57 games, scoring 11 goals and registering 12 assists, while also posting a plus-minus rating of plus-four. Despite his solid play, McLeod only made $798,000 last season, which is well below what many other comparable players are making and was a decrease from his rookie deal.
The Oilers have expressed a desire to keep McLeod on the team long-term, but it’s unclear if they’re willing to pay him what he feels he deserves. This is why the most likely outcome will be a bridge deal. Just like with Evan Bouchard, the Edmonton Oilers just don’t have the cap space to give Ryan McLeod a long-term deal.
The Oilers have until the arbitration hearing to negotiate a new contract with McLeod, but if they can’t come to an agreement, an arbitrator will decide on a salary for the young centerman. This process can be contentious and often leads to hard feelings between the player and the team, but both sides are hoping to avoid that outcome.
For McLeod, this arbitration filing is a big step in his career. He’s shown that he has the talent to be a key player for the Oilers for years to come, and he’s looking to be compensated accordingly. Whether he gets the deal he’s looking for remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Ryan McLeod is a player to watch in the years to come.