Trade Deadline Update: Is Ryan O’Reilly Ready to Leave the Predators?

Ryan O’Reilly is one of several names to watch on Friday as the NHL trade deadline comes to close. The Nashville Predators’ center is a popular player, with teams calling to see if he’s available. He might be, but the cost is steep.

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TSN insider Pierre LeBrun offered an update on O’Reilly’s situation:

Latest on Ryan O’Reilly, there hasn’t been a trade offer yet on the table for Nashville to consider seriously. Given the price paid for Nic Roy yesterday, it’s at least a 1st and a top prospect if not more for a team to get ROR. ROR could very well stay put (which I think he would prefer), but teams are calling…”

O’Reilly lacks trade protection, but it has been said for a couple of seasons now that the Predators will treat him like he’s got the power to stop a deal. What that means is that the Predators first have to get an offer they deem worthy of taking to O’Reilly. From there, he has to approve it.

The price is high and the player isn’t keen to leave. That’s not a great combination for fans looking to see him moved and get an opportunity on another team before a pending UFA at the end of the 2026-27 season.

O’Reilly Wants to Help The Predators, Not Leave Them

As per Elliotte Friedman, O’Reilly told the team he wants to stay and help push for the playoffs. The Preds are fringe playoff contenders and while they’ve made some moves, O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos are seen as loyal to the push rather than obvious sellers.

If he is moved, teams like the Colorado Avalanche (though likely not now after adding Roy), the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild have been connected to talks. Nothing has materialized. Some reports call him an “obvious candidate” if Nashville shifts to selling, but his situation is fascinating.

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