Central Division Powerhouses to Battle Over O’Rielly Deadline Trade

If the trade deadline turns into an arms race inside the Central Division, Ryan O’Reilly could end up at the center of it — literally.

Two of the NHL’s strongest teams, the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild, are both logical fits for the Nashville Predators center, and a bidding war between division rivals is very much on the table if O’Reilly becomes available. According to Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johntson of The Athletic, they might be the two teams most interested in O’Reilly, and if one gets the veteran while the other doesn’t, it could have quite the playoff implications.

---

Why the Minnesota Wild for O’Reilly?

Minnesota’s interest makes plenty of sense. The Wild are making a push after acquiring Quinn Hughes, and they want to show the defenseman that this team is built to compete now. One area where they remain thin is down the middle. LeBrun writes:

“The Wild need a center who can win draws, and O’Reilly can still contribute offensively, is a Cup champion and is the type of character guy Wild general manager and president of hockey operations Bill Guerin loves, as far as the culture piece of it.”

The complication is availability. O’Reilly has been clear he views himself as part of the solution in Nashville and hasn’t pushed for a move. And, because the team has turned things around of late, his willingness to go somewhere — he doesn’t have no-trade protection but has been told he’ll be treated like he does — he may resist a trade. Circumstances can change.

The Wild love the fact that he’s a proven player with a $4.5 million cap hit through next season that becomes even more appealing with retention.

Ryan O’Reilly Predators NHL Trade Talk” class=”wp-image-86329″/>

Why the Colorado Avalanche For O’Reilly?

Colorado presents an entirely different pull.

The Avalanche drafted O’Reilly, developed him, and gave him his NHL start. A return would be a full-circle move for a team that is firmly all-in on another Stanley Cup run. Johnston writes, “Now, it would require O’Reilly to embrace a reduced role from the one he currently has in Nashville, with Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson slotted ahead of him in the Avs lineup. But the chance to join the league’s top team in a full-circle transaction might make that more palatable.”

The cost won’t be cheap. A first-round pick and a top prospect is believed to be the baseline ask, which could complicate things for Minnesota after already moving a 2026 first. Colorado, meanwhile, has shown a willingness to pay for proven playoff performers. If each team starts to battle with one another over the player, it’s not just about adding O’Reilly; it’s about making sure the other team doesn’t.

Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Flames