Sabres Acquire McLeod and Tullio in Exchange for Savoie from Oilers

The Buffalo Sabres have made a significant trade with the Edmonton Oilers, acquiring Ryan McLeod and Tyler Tullio in exchange for promising prospect Matthew Savoie. The deal sees Savoie, a highly touted draft pick, heading to Edmonton in return for McLeod and Tullio, providing a new dynamic to both teams.

Matthew Savoie, the ninth overall pick in the 2022 draft, showcased his talent with an impressive 71 points in just 34 games during the 2023-24 season. His stellar performance continued in the playoffs, helping his team secure the Western Hockey League championship.

Ryan McLeod, a seasoned player with three seasons under his belt, contributed 30 points for the Oilers in the last campaign. His valuable playoff experience, including scoring four goals in 24 games on their Stanley Cup Final run, adds depth to Buffalo’s roster.

Tyler Tullio, a fifth-round pick in 2020, demonstrated his potential with 21 points in 54 games for the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League. His versatility and skill set bring additional options for the Sabres moving forward.

In a separate move, the Sabres have extended their contract with defenseman Henri Jokiharju for one more year. The 24-year-old Finn enjoyed a career-best season in 2023-24, tallying 20 points in 74 games and solidifying his role on the Buffalo blue line.

Jokiharju, a first-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017, brings experience and stability to the Sabres’ defense, maintaining a consistent presence over his 347-game NHL career.