NHL News
Former Center Linked as Potential Trade Target for Maple Leafs
One TSN analyst suggests the Toronto Maple Leafs should target a former forward in Ryan O’Reilly. Is there anything actually there?
NHL analyst Mike Johnson has suggested former Toronto Maple Leafs center Ryan O’Reilly might be a strong fit as a trade target this season. As the Nashville Predators determine how much they’ll be sellers this season, the Leafs are looking for a depth pivot with term. Johnson says the team knows O’Reilly, that he fits, and that he might check off several boxes GM Brad Treliving has identified as priority.
Of course, that doesn’t mean O’Reilly is interested in leaving the Predators, nor does it signal a return to the Maple Leafs. Still, it’s an interesting idea.
Speaking on “First Up” on TSN Radio 1050 on Thursday, Johnson pitched O’Reilly as a top trade target. The Leafs want someone with term and the veteran forward signed a four-year, $18 million deal with Nashville in the offseason. “He might be my number one choice,” Johnson said.
Toronto’s need for secondary scoring could be why the NHL analyst likes O’Reilly. He is currently being used on the Predators’ second line, but he can play in several spots, moving up and down the lineup as needed. He’s got 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 38 games this season and there’s no question about what he’ll produce as he’s been fairly consistent over the course of his career.
The Maple Leafs Want Reliability and Energy
Johnson added, “We know that he has the respect of the group. We know that he has a very strong relationship with the coach and the system and has won doing it this way before.” He adds:
“The Leafs need offense right now. They can’t go get a defensive or energy player. Not only should any trade addition bring good energy and life to the team, but they need to be able to score. O’Reilly fits that description.”
O’Reilly carries a $4.5 million cap hit with two years remaining on his contract after this season. It won’t be a simple move to pull off, thanks to the salary cap, and the Predators will have to be extremely picky on salary retention. LTIR funds might be needed to create space.
Is this something that feels realistic? Perhaps not since there are a lot of unknowns involved in a trade like this. But, if the Predators continue to struggle and O’Reilly is open to the idea, perhaps there is something here worth exploring.
It’s key to remember that O’Reilly did choose to leave the Maple Leafs for Nashville. That might be a hint he’s not keen to return.
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