RDOilerfan wrote on Wed, 29 November 2023 08:01

Skookum Jim wrote on Tue, 28 November 2023 22:55 Trade McLeod. I would agree. 3rd line center on a team is pretty important and he's giving them nothing. His last goal was Mar 9, 2023. That was 38 games ago. A guy with that much speed and he drove the net a grand total of 1 time. I don't get what his problem is.

McLeod totally frustrated me last game.. maybe don't trade him.. yet.. maybe there's still hope that Knobs can do something with him.. ?

I've been a big fan of McLeod ever since he got drafted, blazing elite level speed.. and figured he'd eventually figure out how to use it.. but I'm starting to feel he must have deep rooted psychological issues that prevent him from engaging into the play..

Those same engagement issues have been identified since junior..

Quote:

The Hockey Writers Draft Analysis of Ryan McLeod "..Ryan McLeod may be one of the most interesting players in the entire 2018 NHL Draft class. While he has all the makings of a star at the next level, there are some areas of his game that he’ll have to work out if he ever wants to even make it to the NHL... ..He’s an intriguing prospect due to his combination of size, speed and high hockey IQ. What makes him a bit more of a risk, however, is the fact that he isn’t overly physical and doesn’t use his body to gain position nearly as often as he should. His intensity level is another glaring issue as teams are always looking for players who consistently prove that they want to improve and succeed.. ..Part of that playmaking ability is what makes him such a good center prospect. The intensity issue, however, makes it so that he often shifted from center to the wing and back again depending on the game and depending on the situation." From the ISS: “..High end skater and shows ability to accelerate through the neutral zone. Hands are good with ability to release shot in stride. Backcheck and forecheck effort inconsistent. Projects as a third line checking winger at NHL level...”

And I also remember Woodcroft commenting on McLeod's development in the AHL when he was coaching him back down in Bakersfield.. that he plays too much on the perimeter.. too many fly-bys and they were trying to convince him to get more engaged and stop on pucks..

His problems have been identified, and explained to him for a few years now.. through many coaches.. he must have sat through hours of video sessions showing him what to do and what not to do.. yet he still flys on by.. refusing to stop on pucks.. his problems have been communicated to him.. he just can't bring himself to do it..

That's why I'm thinking it has to be psychological .. he knows what he should to do .. he's had enough coaches explaining it to him .. but his head won't allow him.

Perfect example last game was he was forechecking a Vegas defenseman.. skated right at him .. put his stick in.. which caused the D-man to fumble the puck.. puck gets loose.. but.. McLeod had already turned right past him without even looking to see if his forecheck might have turned over a puck.. a classic McLeod fly-by.. like he wasn't aware of the purpose of the forechecking exercise.. which is to hopefully create a turnover.. low game awareness.. low engagement level.

He has so much potential.. elite NHL speed.. good skill levels.. all the tools.. but unable to convert it all into winning hockey games..

.. Maybe a hypnotist ?

Also.. he's played the Oiler PK for 17 games and only has 4 blocked shots.. he is 3rd last on the team for shot blocks per 60.. and plays PK.
For comparison Gagner has played 8 games.. no PK and has 6 shot blocks.

[Updated on: Thu, 30 November 2023 01:55]

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