Ryan McLeod Bio
Ryan McLeod is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Born on September 21, 1999, in Mississauga, Ontario, McLeod began playing junior ice hockey for the Toronto Marlboros and made significant contributions to his teams during his junior career, including winning the OHL Cup. Selected by the Oilers in the 2018 NHL Draft, he started his professional career in 2019 and has since made a name for himself in the NHL.
Early Life and Background
Ryan McLeod was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is the son of Richard and Judi McLeod and first learned to skate on their backyard rink at the age of 18 months. Growing up, he was influenced by his family’s passion for hockey, which included two older brothers who also pursued professional ice hockey careers. Matt McLeod plays for the Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland, while Michael McLeod plays in Russia. Ryan was a fan of both the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, favoring the Oilers due to his admiration for his favorite player, Ryan Smyth.
Path to Hockey
McLeod began his junior ice hockey career with the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). He won the OHL Cup in 2015 and was named the championship’s most valuable player. In his final season with the Marlboros, he led the team in scoring and earned the GTHL’s Player of the Year Award. He was selected by the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the first round of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection draft but opted to play for the Mississauga Steelheads instead. McLeod made his major junior ice hockey debut for the Steelheads in the 2015–16 season, where he began to establish himself as a promising player.
Ryan McLeod Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
McLeod made his debut for the Mississauga Steelheads in the 2015–16 season, appearing in 62 games and scoring seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points. He contributed to the Steelheads’ first winning season and playoff appearance, although they were eliminated in the first round. In his third season with the Steelheads in 2017–18, McLeod set career highs, scoring 26 goals and 70 points in 68 games. He continued to excel in his final junior season, scoring 12 goals and 38 points before being traded to the Saginaw Spirit. McLeod’s performance with the Spirit helped them reach the OHL Western Conference final for the first time in franchise history.
Breakthrough (2019–2021)
McLeod was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft. He signed an entry-level contract with the Oilers on May 1, 2019, and began his professional career with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. He made his NHL debut on April 26, 2021, and recorded his first NHL point on May 11, assisting on a goal in a victory over the Montreal Canadiens. McLeod played in ten games during the 2020–21 season and made his NHL playoff debut in May 2021.
Notable Works and Milestones
McLeod’s first NHL goal came on November 14, 2021, against the St. Louis Blues. He finished the 2021–22 season with nine goals and 21 points in 71 games. He played a significant role in the Oilers’ playoff run, scoring his first playoff goal in May 2022. McLeod continued to improve, registering a three-point game in March 2022 and contributing to the Oilers’ success in the postseason.
Ryan McLeod Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan McLeod has been recognized for his contributions on the ice, particularly during his junior career where he earned accolades such as the GTHL’s Player of the Year Award.
Ryan McLeod Awards Won
Ryan McLeod’s notable achievements include winning the OHL Cup and being named the most valuable player of the championship during his junior career.
Ryan McLeod Family
Ryan McLeod is the son of Richard and Judi McLeod. He has two older brothers, both of whom are professional ice hockey players.
Personal Life
McLeod was introduced to hockey at a young age, learning to skate in his family’s backyard. He has maintained a strong connection to his roots in Mississauga, Ontario, where he grew up and developed his passion for the sport.
