Insider Says To Watch for Overdue Trade Out of Nashville

Elliotte Friedman is teasing that Ryan O’Reilly‘s name might be one to watch this season when looking at possible names to hit the trade market. A veteran of over 1200 games, he’s on a team that has struggled to be competitive and could be going through a transition period where his window doesn’t match that of the organization.

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In his latest 32 Thoughts written column, Friedman reports:

“I was talking with a couple of executives about storylines and what to watch. I asked if there was anything that I’m missing or wasn’t discussing enough. They both answered, “Ryan O’Reilly.”

He goes on to say that teams have been trying to get O’Reilly out of Nashville for over two years. He doesn’t want to move, and the team promised not to move him. However, things might change this season and the forward lacks trade protection.

Friedman explained:

“Over the past two years, team after team tried to pry him out of Nashville and were rebuffed. He didn’t have written trade protection, but there was a verbal promise that the Predators honoured. Now, he’s entering the final year of his contract. If Nashville indicates it won’t extend, what will he choose to do? That’s a question interested parties will want to know. The interest — and respect — for O’Reilly remains high.”

The Predators will likely keep their promise, but how keen would a player be to stick around with a team that lets him know there’s no extension coming? If O’Reilly has the chance to move and chase another Stanley Cup, why not? He’s likely going to have to move and switch teams next season regardless.

This likely isn’t a move that happens anytime soon, but it will be worth watching if the Predators don’t get off to a strong start in 2026-27.

Next: Big Plans in Toronto Might Have Changed Thanks to the Marchenko Trade