NHL insider Frank Seravalli opines Buffalo Sabres made a poor decision trading Matt Savoie for Ryan McLeod

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jul 12, 2024 01:40 GMT

The Buffalo Sabres have traded top prospect Matt Savoie for Edmonton Oilers' forward Ryan McLeod. In an episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown podcast, NHL insider Frank Seravalli voiced his disapproval of this move. Seravalli compared this trade to the controversial Chychrun trade, suggesting that the Sabres may have been too hasty in their decision-making process.

"I guess I kind of arrive at the same point with this deal as I did with the Chychrun trade, which is, let's just say hypothetically the Sabres really want McLeod. Is trading Savoie the only way they could have gotten there?" Seravalli said.

"I would sit back and say, wait it out. They’re only going to be in a worse position once they sign Broberg and Holloway; they’re going to have to do something. Why not smoke them out?"

The Sabres acquired McLeod, who played a crucial role in Edmonton's playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final, and minor leaguer Tyler Tullio for Savoie. Savoie, the ninth pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut in November but has primarily spent time in junior hockey and the minors.

McLeod, who signed a $2.1 million contract for the next season, scored four goals in 24 playoff games for the Oilers. The Sabres also re-signed defenseman Henri Jokiharju to a one-year, $3.1 million contract shortly after the trade.

The trade has faced criticism particularly because the Sabres have not made the playoffs since 2011, enduring a 13-year drought, the longest in the NHL.

Buffalo Sabres make signings to boost roster for NHL season

On Friday, July 5, 2024, the Buffalo Sabres traded Matthew Savoie to the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan McLeod.

McLeod had just completed a playoff run with Edmonton and scored four goals in 24 postseason games. Despite Edmonton falling short against Florida in the Stanley Cup Final, McLeod brings valuable experience and scoring ability to Buffalo. He's signed for $2.1 million for the upcoming season.

In another move, the Sabres quickly re-signed defenseman Henri Jokiharju to a one-year contract worth $3.1 million. This strengthens their defense as they aim to end their playoff drought since 2011.

Meanwhile, Savoie, drafted ninth overall in 2022, displayed promise but saw limited NHL action, debuting last November. He progressed through junior hockey and the minors, showing potential for Edmonton's future strategies.

Buffalo also deals with arbitration for key players like goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and newcomer Beck Malenstyn. This busy offseason focuses on maintaining roster stability and planning for the future.