On an episode of Oilersnation Everyday earlier this week, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period mentioned Ryan O’Reilly’s name, saying that it is starting to make the rounds again. With Nazem Kadri making headlines in recent days, the demand for centers is already taking shape in November, and is expected to heat up as the season goes on. If Nashville does not go on a serious push soon, perhaps O’Reilly, a pending free agent, could be on the move again at some point.
The 34-year-old center has appeal not only for his ongoing production and leadership, but also that he comes in at just a $4.5MM cap hit, one of Barry Trotz’s first signings as a general manager in 2023. Given O’Reilly’s declining production at the time, it appeared he would be a perfect stop-gap, set to mentor the Preds’ youth and age into a third-line center by contract’s end. Instead, he had a resurgence, posting 69 points, and even despite Nashville’s major struggles last season, O’Reilly still notched 53 points in 79 games, and is maintaining such levels so far this year.
Now, with the contract coming to an end, O’Reilly remains a key presence for the Predators, but if things do not change, offers for the center could be too much for Barry Trotz to pass up. In a market where the Hurricanes and Canadiens have been speculated as wanting centers, along with outside possibilities such as the Red Wings or Devils (who showed interest in O’Reilly last year), Nashville could take advantage and get a haul for an aging player, while also giving him another chance at contention. It’s likely O’Reilly would fetch a first-round pick as long as he can maintain such offensive production. Even as he turns 35 and beyond, with his skillset, O’Reilly can be a serious bottom-six asset.
Although it is mostly speculation at this point, Steven Stamkos’ name has floated around of late as well, and it may, at long last, be time for the Predators to waive the white flag and tear things down by any means necessary. If an O’Reilly deal is indeed made at some point this season, Trotz would likely look to bring back a short-term center. The young Fedor Svechkov has flashed potential, but does not appear ready for a true top six role, with just one point in 13 games. Erik Haula, another pending free agent, could also be a flip candidate for Trotz, but again, he is a placeholder, and without the two Nashville would be dangerously thin down the middle.
Trotz’s hesitance to deal O’Reilly for now could be two-fold; wanting to see if his group can make one more push, along with not wanting to deplete his forward core and hurt morale. However, O’Reilly’s name is one worth following if the Predators cannot turn things around, and at some point, teams like the Hurricanes could make a push.
I don’t think they are “getting a haul “ for him unless your definition of that is much less than implied. A first and one middling prospect at best.
The guys in his mid 30’s, not an elite producer and on an expiring contract. Don’t get me wrong I mean no disrespect to O’Reilly he’s a fantastic leader and hockey player but I doubt they get more than a 3rd maybe someone pays a second rounder but they won’t get a first for him.
Trade ROR? Oh no! Then they’ll have to reshoot his MassMutual commercial with Juuse Saros.
ROR -> BUF for:
Tage Thompson & Ryan Johnson
This reverses what many Sabres fans called “the worst trade in the history of the NHL”.
(Although, oddly, I haven’t heard that lately.)
Umm, my Caps would like that Erat for Forsburg back.
Yeah, I’m thinking that Los Angeles would have really rather loved to give back that last poor season of Ron Grahame’s career for the entirety of Ray Bourque’s. Or maybe the California Golden Seals would’ve lasted longer with Guy Lafleur instead of Ernie Hicke. Speaking of alleged “worst trades.”
O’Reilly to Tampa Bay for Geekie and 2nd rounder in 26.
Sad that ROR is forced into a 1st line center role at this point in his career due to the organizations forever inability to draft or acquire top line centers. He’d be just fine in a 2nd line roll.
a trade could happen,but hes not a pending fa quite yet. got this season and next season
Dude is a clubhouse leader. Could help the young teams on the cusp of the playoffs. Ducks. Sharks. Blackhawks or of course the old horses, Kings or Oilers