The Edmonton Oilers and forward Ryan McLeod have reportedly settled on a contract ahead of Friday’s arbitration date.
McLeod, 23, is coming off a one-year contract that saw him make just under $800,000 and signed right ahead of training camp last season.
He didn’t have arbitration rights last season, but heading into this season, it was a different story and he was prepared to use those but as expected, the two parties reached some common ground prior to Friday .
The two sides agreed on a two-year contract paying McLeod a $2.1-million AAV.
The deal provides some stability for both sides after a breakout season for McLeod. He appeared in 57 games for the Oilers this past season scoring 11 goals and 23 points with his scoring rates climbing to career highs.
Far more than an offensive asset, McLeod began to contribute as a trusted and valuable defensive centre for the Oil throughout last season and into the playoffs.
With one of the off-seasons tasks out of the way, Ken Holland and the Oil can now turn their focus to inking a new deal with Evan Bouchard who is the final piece of unfinished business for the Oilers this off-season.
A bridge contract for Evan Bouchard, similar to Ryan McLeod would be the most feasible option.
According to hockey insiders and whispers around the league, the deal with Bouchard is close to completion and “within $100k.”
