Ryan McLeod now possesses something he never had with the Oilers: a clearer role and greater responsibility in his career.

Ryan McLeod has come a long way since his early days with the Edmonton Oilers, and the journey from a young, emerging prospect to a more established player in the National Hockey League (NHL) has been filled with growth and learning. After spending several seasons navigating a path with fluctuating roles, McLeod finds himself in a situation with a clearer role and greater responsibility – something he never truly had during his tenure with the Oilers. This shift in expectations and responsibility marks a significant turning point in McLeod’s career, one that could reshape his trajectory in the league.

Early Days with the Oilers: Uncertainty and Development

When Ryan McLeod was drafted 40th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2nd round of the 2018 NHL Draft, there were high hopes for him as a future NHL contributor. Known for his speed, size, and two-way play, McLeod was heralded as a player who could potentially make an immediate impact on the Oilers’ roster. However, like many young players, the transition to the NHL wasn’t smooth, and McLeod spent much of his early years trying to carve out a consistent role.

While McLeod showed glimpses of his potential during his time with the Oilers, including stints in the American Hockey League (AHL) and occasional NHL appearances, he struggled to establish a consistent presence in the lineup. The Oilers had an abundance of talent in their forward group, with star players such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, making it difficult for McLeod to find regular ice time and a defined role. Despite his skills, McLeod often found himself as a depth player, being used in a variety of line combinations but never truly given a permanent spot.

During his time with the Oilers, McLeod was often shuffled in and out of the lineup, sometimes being used on the fourth line or in lower-leverage situations. While these experiences were valuable for his growth as a player, they also prevented him from reaching his full potential. He was not consistently trusted to play important minutes or contribute in key situations, which limited his ability to develop the confidence and consistency needed to take his game to the next level.

The Shift: A Clearer Role and Greater Responsibility

As Ryan McLeod navigated through the early part of his career with the Oilers, the team underwent significant changes, and the pressure on McLeod to step up became more pronounced. In particular, McLeod’s speed and two-way game were becoming increasingly valuable assets for a team in search of depth and consistency across their forward lines. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him an appealing option, but it wasn’t until the 2024-2025 season that McLeod began to see a shift in how the Oilers viewed him.

The arrival of new coaching staff, adjustments in team strategies, and changes in the roster allowed McLeod to find a clearer role within the Oilers’ lineup. Under the leadership of new coaching staff, he began to see more ice time and was given opportunities in different situations. He was entrusted with playing on the penalty kill, contributing on the power play, and being used in key defensive zones. McLeod began to be seen as more than just a depth player — he was emerging as a versatile, reliable two-way forward.

This clearer role also meant greater responsibility. McLeod no longer had to simply be a complementary piece or a player who was brought in for specific matchups. He was expected to contribute consistently in all areas of the game. This marked a major shift for McLeod, as he was now being counted on to make a larger impact. He was no longer being put in a “safe” role; instead, McLeod was tasked with taking ownership of his performance and driving results for his team. This responsibility not only changed his mindset but also opened the door for him to flourish and develop into a more well-rounded player.

A Newfound Confidence

As McLeod began to take on a more significant role within the Oilers’ lineup, his confidence on the ice grew as well. The mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical, and McLeod’s newfound responsibility allowed him to settle into a role where he was comfortable contributing on a nightly basis. The consistency in his ice time, coupled with his trust from the coaching staff, allowed McLeod to develop into a more confident player.

Confidence in the NHL is a game-changer, especially for young players trying to solidify their spot in the lineup. McLeod was no longer a player who had to constantly look over his shoulder wondering whether he would be taken out of the lineup. Instead, he was given the tools to succeed and the chance to prove himself. This mental shift allowed him to trust his instincts and showcase his strengths, particularly his speed and hockey IQ.

One area where McLeod truly began to thrive with the Oilers was in his defensive play. Having been tasked with a larger role in penalty killing situations, he honed his defensive skills and became a more reliable player in his own zone. While McLeod is known for his offensive capabilities, the responsibility of playing a more complete game elevated his overall play and made him a more well-rounded forward.

This growth in confidence was not just seen in his defensive play but also in his offensive contributions. McLeod started to generate more scoring chances, using his speed to drive the play and create opportunities in transition. He became a more consistent presence on the score sheet, tallying key goals and assists for the Oilers when they needed it most. The responsibility of being a more central figure in the offense allowed McLeod to showcase his skills and make an impact every night.

The Impact of a Clearer Role on McLeod’s Development

The clearer role that McLeod now finds himself in has had a significant impact on his development as a player. One of the biggest challenges for young players in the NHL is the lack of consistency in their role, particularly for those not initially seen as top-line players. However, McLeod’s shift in role with the Oilers allowed him to settle into a routine and develop his game in a more structured and predictable manner.

The responsibility that McLeod now shoulders has allowed him to grow in several key areas. One of the most important has been his ability to handle the pressure of being a reliable contributor in all situations. Whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or in crucial game moments, McLeod has become a player that the coaching staff can rely on to get the job done. This has allowed him to gain the trust of his teammates and coaches, which is crucial for his continued development and success.

Furthermore, this clearer role has given McLeod the opportunity to develop chemistry with his teammates. With a defined spot in the lineup, he’s been able to establish better on-ice relationships with linemates and improve his ability to anticipate plays. The consistency of playing with the same players on a regular basis has made McLeod more effective, as he now understands his teammates’ tendencies and can position himself accordingly to create more offensive opportunities.

A Career Transforming Moment

McLeod’s progression from an uncertain, fluctuating role to a more defined position within the Oilers’ lineup marks a career-transforming moment for him. The responsibility that now rests on his shoulders is a testament to the work he has put in to evolve into a more complete player. While the journey to this point hasn’t been easy, McLeod’s perseverance and growth have made him a key player for the Oilers moving forward.

For McLeod, this newfound role and responsibility are not just about gaining more ice time or statistical success — it’s about establishing himself as a core piece of the team’s future. The Oilers are in the midst of building a championship contender around stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and for McLeod, becoming a dependable contributor to this team’s success is an essential part of that vision. His ability to step up in crucial moments, both offensively and defensively, makes him a valuable asset to the Oilers’ deep roster.

Additionally, McLeod’s growth serves as an inspiration to other young players coming through the system, as it shows that with hard work, patience, and determination, it’s possible to break through and carve out a consistent role at the NHL level. For McLeod, this is only the beginning of what could be a long and successful career, and the responsibility that he now embraces will only serve to further his development and success.