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A Lot Of Buzz in St. Louis About a Ryan O’Reilly Trade

There are rumors out of St. Louis that the Blues might be seriously considering a trade to move Ryan O’Reilly.

According to numerous reports, including one from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, talk surrounding a trade out of St. Louis, where Ryan O’Reilly might be dealt is picking up steam. LeBrun writes, “It’s just one month into the NHL season, and already we can start contemplating potential scenarios for the March 3 trade deadline.” He adds, “Take the Blues, for example, mired in a franchise-record eight-game losing streak, and already having had their general manager, Doug Armstrong, warn of possible consequences if there’s no turnaround”, he mentions the names Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko as possible trade options.

Because Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause, the talk is focused on O’Reilly who knows he needs to be better and his status as a pending UFA will lead to questions. He’s off to a lousy start but his reputation in the NHL over many years is enough of a reason to believe that there would be a trade market for the player if he became available.

Ryan O’Reilly Blues trade rumors

LeBrun adds that the preseason plan was for the Blues and O’Reilly’s camp to reengage in contract talks. But, the way he’s played and if the team doesn’t turn things around, it’s hard to envision an extension in that scenario for O’Reilly, who turns 32 in February. His $7.5 million cap hit would certainly be a deterrent in any deal but if the Blues were willing to eat 50 percent of that and/or to bring in a third-party broker team to help the cap hit implications for the team acquiring O’Reilly, it could be worth it.

As for what teams would be interested, there are a few that would potentially like to add a top-six center and one that could play anywhere in the lineup during the postseason. The teams that might show the most interest could present themselves much closer to the deadline, which works for the Blues who aren’t necessarily giving up on the season just yet.

Next: Evander Kane Out 3-4 Months: Is a Trade Coming for Oilers?

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