NHL Free Agency: Sabres Lock Up Ryan McLeod After Career-Best Season

Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan McLeod celebrates after scoring a goal in 2024 game.

The Buffalo Sabres are betting big on speed and consistency, re-signing center Ryan McLeod to a four-year, $20 million contract.

Sabres sign Ryan McLeod to four-year, $20M contract extension

Fresh off a breakout season, McLeod’s deal carries a $5 million AAV and includes a modified no-trade clause in the final two years. The 25-year-old was a restricted free agent coming off a two-year, $4.2 million contract.

Four more years of Clouder! ⚔️

We have signed Ryan McLeod to a four-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. Details → https://t.co/Es0DLMo4Vg #LetsGoBuffalo | @NorthtownAuto pic.twitter.com/wX8MR5ylbR
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 1, 2025

McLeod delivers career year in first season with Buffalo

Acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in July 2024, McLeod silenced skeptics by delivering his best NHL season yet. He posted career highs in goals (20), assists (33), and points (53) while averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game.

A plus-13 rating and 52.3% success in the faceoff circle made him Buffalo’s most reliable two-way center. Despite the team’s overall struggles, McLeod was a steady presence, capable of shifting between top-line and bottom-six duties seamlessly.

Ryan McLeod, signed 4x$5M by BUF, is a speedy second line two-way centre who contributes in transition, passes the puck well, kills penalties, and is very active in his own zone. #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/ZELR9zopXc
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2025

Speed, versatility, and value for Buffalo’s future

Buffalo’s front office clearly values McLeod’s elite skating and versatility. According to NHL EDGE data, McLeod ranks in the 99th percentile in 18–20 mph skating bursts, showing no signs of slowing down with age.

With 128 points in 298 career games and a proven ability to contribute on both ends of the ice, this contract has the potential to age extremely well. As the Sabres continue to retool around core pieces like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, McLeod figures to be a key part of the puzzle going forward.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images