Nashville Predators

Ryan O’Reilly Gets Real About His Struggles—And Contenders Will Notice

Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly discussed his struggles and frustration, sparking talk about his future with the Predators.

by
NHL Trade Talk
November 7, 2025

Nashville Predators veteran Ryan O’Reilly didn’t hold back after his team’s third consecutive loss, offering one of the most brutally honest postgame interviews of the young NHL season. Fans have reacted to the media scrum, many noting how sad it is that he’s so tough on himself, with others suggesting contenders are watching and will come calling with trade offers.

“I know for myself, number one center, and I just turn the puck over everywhere and can’t make a six-foot pass to save my life. We’re not going to have much success if I’m playing pathetic like that. I don’t know the answer. I’ve had one good year in my career,” O’Reilly told the media.

Ryan O’Reilly just torched himself in the locker room after the loss.

“I can’t make a 6-foot pass to save my life… I’ve had one good year in my career” pic.twitter.com/1cLUzra5Y2
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) November 7, 2025

O’Reilly’s interview was the second one in the NHL on Thursdsay that was heartbreaking. Jakub Dobes was in near tears earlier when he blamed himself for the Montreal Canadiens’ loss. The stresses of an NHL season are real, but in O’Reilly’s case, a veteran like himself has to really have reached a boiling point.

It’s been a frustrating season for everyone in Nashville. There’s been talk about a Steven Stamkos trade, and the Predators have dropped six of their last seven games. They currently sit 12th in the Western Conference. O’Reilly, 34, remains tied for the team lead with six goals and ranks second with 10 points in 16 games, but his comments reveal how deeply the slump has affected him, and it appears to be running through the locker room.

Could This Lead To A Fresh Start For O’Reilly Elsewhere?

The forward may be saying he’s only had one good year, but other teams know that’s not true. This would be a player who, around the league, would have value if made available. O’Reilly’s remarks will give teams the green light to reach out and kick tires.

<a rel= — Ryan O’Reilly Predators NHL Trade Talk

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Nashville is “willing to listen” if contending teams come calling. The former St. Louis Blues captain — who won the Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe, and Selke Trophies in 2019 — could become one of this season’s more intriguing trade targets if the Predators continue to slide.

O’Reilly is a solid player with the kind of contract teams would be happy to acquire. He’s got two seasons remaining at $4.5 million, and he’s certainly not to blame for Nashville’s tough 2025-26. “This isn’t about one player,” one Nashville commentator noted. “This is an entire roster issue.”

Whether this moment marks a turning point or the start of a larger story remains to be seen — but few NHL stars have ever been this candid about their own struggles.

Next: McDavid’s Patience Being Tested as Oilers Keep Giving Away Leads