Ryan McLeod Under Pressure to Deliver in 2025-26: "I’m Ready to Prove Everyone Right"
As the Buffalo Sabres head into the 2025-26 NHL season, all eyes are on Ryan McLeod, the 25-year-old center who is ready to take his game to new heights after securing a lucrative four-year contract extension. With heightened expectations following a career-best 2024-25 season, McLeod now faces the pressure of not only justifying his new contract but also becoming a key component in the Sabres’ playoff aspirations.
"The pressure is on, but I thrive in it. I know what’s expected of me this season, and I’m ready to prove everyone right," McLeod said, expressing his confidence and determination to rise to the occasion. "This team is on the brink of something special, and I’m not going to let anything stop me from being a key part of that success."
A New Challenge Ahead
Coming off a breakout season where McLeod posted 20 goals and 53 points, the young center now faces a significant jump in expectations. The Sabres have penciled him in as their second-line center, flanked by veteran wingers Jason Zucker and Alex Tuch, making McLeod an integral part of the team’s offensive structure. With his career trajectory on an upward curve, McLeod is expected to build upon last season’s success and hit new benchmarks in 2025-26.
His new contract, which sees his salary rise to $5 million per year, has placed a target on his back. While the team’s management understands that his goal tally likely won’t soar to 40 goals, they are looking for a consistent 25-30 goals and 60-70 points this season. For McLeod, the pressure to deliver has never been greater.
Proving His Worth
While the financial commitment to McLeod is significant, the true challenge lies in proving he is worth the investment. As McLeod steps into the role of a core player for the Sabres, his performance will have a direct impact on the team's success. The Sabres are looking to make a playoff run, and McLeod’s ability to consistently produce and be a leader on the ice is crucial to achieving that goal.
"I know what’s expected of me," McLeod added. "I’ve put in the work, and now it’s about showing up every night and helping this team win." McLeod is determined to take the next step in his career and prove that his new contract is well-earned. With the potential to be a difference-maker in Buffalo’s offensive lineup, McLeod has everything to gain this season.
A Critical Year for McLeod and the Sabres
While McLeod’s individual performance will be key, the team’s success will be equally important. If the Sabres make a run at the playoffs, McLeod will solidify his place as a key figure in their future. But if Buffalo struggles and fails to meet expectations, McLeod’s future could be in jeopardy. With no no-trade protection for the first two years of his contract, McLeod knows that the pressure is on — both for him and for the team.
As the Sabres push toward playoff contention, McLeod has a unique opportunity to cement his legacy in Buffalo. A strong season will ensure job security and elevate his status as one of the Sabres’ core players for the future. However, a disappointing performance could lead to changes down the line, and McLeod is aware of this reality.
"This team is on the brink of something special," McLeod said with a determined look. "I’m not going to let anything stop me from being a key part of that success." With McLeod’s focus and work ethic, there’s no doubt that he’ll give everything to help the Sabres reach new heights in 2025-26.
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Bruins' Jeremy Swayman faces make-or-break season: Will he rebound or crumble under pressure?
The Boston Bruins' 2025-2026 season may hinge on the performance of one player: Jeremy Swayman. After an abysmal year in 2024-2025, which saw the 26-year-old goaltender posting career-worst numbers, Swayman finds himself in a do-or-die situation. If he doesn’t rebound, the Bruins could be staring at another season in the basement of the Atlantic Division.
The struggles were undeniable last season. From missing training camp due to a financial stalemate to failing to find any consistency in net, Swayman finished with a dismal 3.11 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage in a career-high 58 games. While injuries to key defensemen like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm certainly didn’t help, the spotlight shone brightest on Swayman’s inability to deliver when it mattered most. Add to that the criticism surrounding his $8.25 million contract, and the pressure is now at an all-time high.
For Swayman, this season is not just about proving himself to the Bruins organization. It's about proving his worth to Team USA, with a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games on the line. With elite goaltenders like Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger competing for the same spot, Swayman can't afford to falter early. Any struggles could push him out of the Olympic conversation entirely.
“That's always the hardest problem with being a goalie,” Hellebuyck explained at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp. “There are multiple guys but only one net.”
Indeed, Swayman knows that if he doesn't perform, others will take his spot. But the pressure doesn't end there. Without no-trade protection on his contract until next season, Bruins GM Don Sweeney may be forced to make a decision on Swayman’s future sooner than expected.
“We have an endless belief mindset,” Swayman said, trying to stay focused on the present. “We can’t predict what’s going to happen, but the thing is that we can control what we can control, right here, right now.”
However, with backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo hardly posing a challenge to Swayman’s role, it’s clear that the onus is squarely on the young goaltender. A slow start could easily sink the Bruins’ playoff aspirations and seal Swayman’s fate.
"This season is make or break for me. I've had my fair share of struggles, but I’m not backing down. The pressure is on, and I’m ready to prove that I belong at the top. It's time to take control of my career and show the world that I’m not just the goalie of the past—I’m the future of this team," Swayman declared, putting his focus on bouncing back and earning the trust of both his team and his fans.
With a season packed with both personal and team-related stakes, this is undeniably a boom-or-bust year for the young goalie. Will Swayman rise to the challenge, or will this be the season he gets lost in the shuffle?
One thing’s for sure: Swayman’s performance will be under the microscope all year long, and his every move will be scrutinized. The future of the Bruins—and his career—could very well be determined by how he handles the immense pressure.
