The Edmonton Oilers have traded for Matthew Savoie, the top prospect of the Buffalo Sabres, in a deal announced on July 5th. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Oilers acquired Savoie, who was selected ninth overall by the Sabres in the 2022 NHL draft. In exchange, the Oilers sent forward Ryan McLeod and prospect Tyler Tullio to Buffalo.
Savoie, known as Buffalo’s top prospect, had an impressive season in the WHL, tallying 30 goals and 41 assists for 71 points in 34 games. He also saw brief stints in the NHL and AHL, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists in six AHL games.
Believe Matt Savoie is return. Ty Tullio also going to Sabres https://t.co/71fBCuyLFf
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2024
McLeod, aged 24, has one year remaining on his contract with a salary of $2.1 million. He posted 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 81 games with the Oilers last season. Tullio, drafted by Edmonton in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL draft, played in the AHL last season, recording 9 goals and 12 assists in 54 games.
NHL Fans Blast Buffalo For Trade
After the trade was announced, NHL fans believed the Oilers had gotten the better end of the deal with the Sabres.
“Total steal,” one fan commented.
“Congratulations on the heist,” another fan added.
Meanwhile, Sabres supporters were deeply disappointed by the trade and questioned how their general manager, Kevyn Adams, could still be in his job.
“What a disastrous trade. Adams should be fired,” one fan remarked.
Another echoed, “Adams should have been fired a year ago.”
Clearly, Sabres fans were unhappy with the transaction. However, in the Sabres’ official press release, the team highlighted McLeod’s strengths, particularly his proficiency in faceoffs.
“McLeod was a consistent presence for the Oilers, excelling in faceoffs and on the penalty kill. His 4.20 power-play goals against per 60 minutes in the regular season ranked seventh lowest among NHL players with at least 100 minutes on the penalty kill,” the Sabres’ statement noted.
“In the playoffs, he logged 36:43 minutes shorthanded without conceding a goal against. Additionally, McLeod ranked third on the Oilers with 718 faceoffs taken and maintained a 50.8% success rate,” the release continued.
Despite the trade, Buffalo retains significant cap space, with over $16.8 million available, according to CapFriendly.
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