{'byline': 'by Paul Hamilton', 'hosts': '', 'byline_sources': 'WGR Sports Radio 550', 'audience_id': '', 'original_station': [{'station': 'wgr550', 'path': 'wgr550/sports/sabres/ryan-mcleod-found-his-offensive-stride-with-sabres-this-season'}], 'syndicated_items': [{'station': 'thefanrochester', 'path': '/thefanrochester/sports/buffalo-sabres/ryan-mcleod-found-his-offensive-stride-with-sabres-this-season'}, {'station': 'wcmf', 'path': '/wcmf/sports/buffalo-sabres/ryan-mcleod-found-his-offensive-stride-with-sabres-this-season'}], 'original_item': {'_index': 'published-content_v43', '_type': '_doc', '_score': None, '_source': {'date': '2025-05-08T18:45:00.000+00:00', 'lead': [{'data': {'title': 'Is Bowen Byram out in Buffalo?', 'thumbnail_url': 'https://s1.dmcdn.net/v/YMR-61e6wdaZ6oLbL', 'id': 'x9j49dy', 'created_time': 1746627016, 'mode': 'vod', 'private_id': 'k4qBzFExzp1YhzD07Ns', 'owner': 'x2yitd8', 'description': 'Jeremy and joe discuss reports that Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram believes he will be traded this offseason.', 'channel': 'sport', 'tags': ['nhl', 'buffalo sabres', 'bowen byram', 'hockey'], 'private': True, 'addPublic': False}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/dailymotion/instances/cmagoikbp000p357sv5lb9rnj@published'}], 'slug': 'ryan-mcleod-found-his-offensive-stride-with-sabres-this-season', 'tags': ['WGR', 'All Local', 'NHL', 'Buffalo Sabres', 'Ryan McLeod', 'Kevyn Adams', 'Matthew Savoie', 'Hockey'], 'feeds': {'msn': True, 'rss': True, 'postup': True, 'facebook': True, 'newsfeed': True, 'sitemaps': True, 'frequency': True, 'smartNews': True, 'apple-news': False, 'smart-news': True, 'most-popular': True, 'reversechron': True, 'google-news-feed': True}, 'hosts': [], 'adTags': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/ad-tags/instances/cmafpi66e001a01t5qyx4tzgf@published'}, 'byline': [{'names': [{'name': 'Paul Hamilton', 'text': 'Paul Hamilton', 'slug': 'paul-hamilton'}], 'sources': [{'text': 'WGR Sports Radio 550'}], 'hosts': [], 'prefix': 'by'}], 'teaser': 'Ryan McLeod found his offensive stride with Sabres this season', 'authors': ['Paul Hamilton'], 'content': [{'data': {'text': '<strong>Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) -</strong>\xa0When the Buffalo Sabres acquired Ryan McLeod from the Edmonton Oilers last July, many were upset because they gave up 2022 first-round pick Matt Savoie.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpi66e001e01t5sjepbwld@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7376226_2025-04-18-172126&withPlaylist=false&theme=dark&playerDisplay-download=false&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7376226_2025-04-18-172126&withPlaylist=false&theme=dark&playerDisplay-download=false&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cmagolhoi001g357sueegpc4r@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Many saw that McLeod only had 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 81 games, and were mad even though none of us know if Savoie will be great, average or not even make the league.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqg90026357smsvc0nyh@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'I think many fans looked at McLeod as a second-round pick (40th\xa0overall) of the Oilers in 2018, while Savoie went ninth overall.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqmo0029357stuyltg25@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod played a key role for the Oilers in their playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final last season, and scored three goals in the last five games of the Final.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmagp7qsr000c357smm0zbnj5@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Buffalo needed speed and a good two-way center, and McLeod seemed perfect for the role. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams mentioned that they thought there was offensive upside to this player, and we found out this season that was true.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqi20027357s87qtg9ri@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod set career-high marks this season with 20 goals and 33 assists for 53 points. His previous career-highs all came in his final season in Edmonton.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqkc0028357s62o5f7hc@published'}, {'data': {'text': "When McLeod looked back at his first season with the Sabres, he knows this team should've been better than it was.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmahdzpf10009357s5ypollyj@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"It was a frustrating year as a group," said McLeod during his end-of-season press conference. "I think we had higher expectations as a team, and it sucks we didn’t meet those. But in my own game, I think I took some good steps this year. It was nice to get that 20th\xa0[goal], and I played with a lot more confidence and got to grow into my role a little bit more. So it was nice."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqri002b357st61tvb6o@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod will turn 26 during training camp, and the question is, can he be better than a 20-goal scorer? He certainly thinks he can.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqu8002c357sg24hxfkk@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I’m not sure what the ceiling is yet, but I still think I can add more offense to my game," McLeod said. "This summer I’m going to work on that, but this was a good step forward."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqwl002d357sdh4td4tt@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod was in the playoffs in all four seasons he was with the Oilers, playing 56 total postseason games. He was in the organization for two additonal seasons before that, playing for the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmqyt002e357s3k4842qg@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Despite having the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, McLeod says things didn’t come together right away in Edmonton.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmagpd2fo000m357syx25nvec@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"They had a lot of talent, and before I was there, they would miss the playoffs," he said. "I think what you find is winning is hard in this league, and once you learn the ways to win and you do the little things, and how much you have to sacrifice in certain areas."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmr58002f357spwffjzda@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod started the 2024-25 season centering Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway. That line played very well together, and showed the trio would be a perfect fit to provide support to the top-six group. All three can play a good defensive role, and provide a decent amount of offense, as Zucker scored 21 goals.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmr7e002g357s4920hkg9@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Injuries put McLeod all over the lineup, and even shifted him to the wing for a bit. All that put him into a prolonged slump. But once he was back to center with some consistent wingers, he took off again.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmr9u002h357sp892wsvs@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'From Dec. 23 until the end of the season, McLeod played 45 games and had 38 points. He knows what consistency with a teammate can bring.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmagpgf2s000q357sm7rs2frl@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"It’s easier when you can get some chemistry with some guys, but I think of myself as a versatile player," McLeod said. "Center or wing, with whoever I play with, I should be able to do my best."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmrbz002i357svr1qyz6n@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod is a restricted free agent this summer. He made $2.1 million last season, and should get a substantial raise with his next contract. It’ll be interesting to see if Adams is interested in signing him long-term, or just giving him a two or three-year deal.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmrhu002j357s1kx288r3@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The Mississauga, Ontario native made one thing very clear, though, in his end-of-season comments: He definitely wants to be in Buffalo.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmagphv77000u357s1m1xevnx@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I love those guys in that locker room. It’s been a frustrating season, but we had a ton of fun, and I made some really good relationships. I’d love to be back here, and be here for a while, and help take that next step of making the playoffs and doing something special here. I love it here," McLeod said.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmrki002k357sx5sa07yo@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'McLeod admits being a short drive across the U.S.-Canadian border from Mississauga makes playing in Buffalo more attractive for him.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmafpmrmt002l357sxw5df4gg@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe src="https://embed.radio.com?slug=WGR550&type=station" style="border:0;height:136px;width:100%;overflow:hidden"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe src="https://embed.radio.com?slug=WGR550&type=station" style="border:0;height:136px;width:100%;overflow:hidden"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cmagolniz001l357spbvl5lg8@published'}], 'feedImg': {'data': {'alt': 'Ryan McLeod', 'url': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/Ryan-McLeod-e6777366-ca21-4dad-a2f9-fdebb0990fb6.jpg', 'width': 1638, 'credit': 'Paul Hamilton (<a href="https://twitter.com/pham1717">@pham1717</a>)', 'height': 1152, 'mimeType': 'image/jpeg', 'sizeInBytes': '142300', 'componentVariation': 'feed-image'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/feed-image/instances/cmafpi66e001b01t53yzuj57t@published'}, 'sources': [{'text': 'WGR Sports Radio 550'}], '_version': 24, 'featured': False, 'headline': 'Ryan McLeod found his offensive stride with Sabres this season', 'msnTitle': 'Ryan McLeod found his offensive stride with Sabres this season', 'textTags': ['WGR', 'All Local', 'NHL', 'Buffalo Sabres', 'Ryan McLeod', 'Kevyn Adams', 'Matthew Savoie', 'Hockey'], '_msnTitle': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'apContent': None, 'isOpinion': False, 'pageTitle': 'McLeod found his offensive stride with Sabres this season', 'sideShare': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/share/instances/cmafpi66e001c01t5698yqab3@published'}, 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/Ryan-McLeod-e6777366-ca21-4dad-a2f9-fdebb0990fb6.jpg', 'feedLayout': 'small', 'showSocial': True, 'stationURL': 'https://www.audacy.com/wgr550', 'articleDate': '2025-05-08', 'articleTime': '14:45', 'breadcrumbs': [{'hidden': False, 'text': 'WGR 550 SportsRadio', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wgr550'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Sports', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Sabres', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres'}], 'contentType': 'article', 'dateUpdated': False, 'seoHeadline': 'McLeod found his offensive stride with Sabres this season', 'stationName': 'WGR 550 SportsRadio', 'stationSlug': 'wgr550', 'subHeadline': 'In his first year with Buffalo, McLeod scored 20 goals for the first time in his career', 'dateModified': '2025-05-09T23:14:49.418Z', 'featuredNews': True, 'sectionFront': 'sports', 'fullWidthLead': False, 'shortHeadline': 'Ryan McLeod found his offensive stride with Sabres this season', 'syndicatedUrl': None, 'unityPageType': 'article', 'featuredSports': True, 'msnTitleLength': 62, 'seoDescription': 'The Buffalo Sabres needed speed and a good two-way center, and Ryan McLeod seemed perfect for the role. 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