NHL mock draft: Final projections for every first-round pick
22. Ottawa Senators – C Ryan McLeod
The Ottawa Senators grabbed their defenseman earlier in the draft; now it is time to take their center. Ryan McLeod is about as reliable as they come. He is another example of a player who is not flashy but an extremely effective hockey player. Logan Brown is the best center prospect the Senators currently have. Even on the roster outside of Matt Duchene there is no one who is considered a top-tier player. McLeod might not ever reach that top-tier status, either, but it will give the Senators a guaranteed top end second- or third-line center for the future. This offseason should be epic for the Senators. It likely will be a franchise defining summer.
If Ryan McLeod sounds a little familiar it is because he brother was selected last season by the New Jersey Devils. Mike McLeod was a 12th overall pick last season. Unfortunately for Ryan he will not be able to beat his brother in draft position. The draft is just much deeper this year. McLeod plays a lot like his older brother, they were even on the same junior hockey team. While playing for the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL McLeod totaled 70 points in 68 games.
He is capable of making important plays everywhere on the ice. If his team is up by one goal late McLeod can jump over the boards and close out the game with his strong defensive play. If they are down by one he can come out, use his skating ability and vision to set up the game tying goal. He can do everything. It is not always flashy or end up on a highlight reel but McLeod is effective. Like all young prospects McLeod has some areas to improve. He needs to be better at deciding when to carry the offense himself or when to dish it off to a teammate. Often times he looks to make the extra pass when it is not needed.