Ryan O’Reilly
Position: C
Age: 31
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 216 pounds
Statistics: 10 goals, six assists, 16 points (37 games played)
Player Overview
St. Louis Blues’ captain, Ryan O’Reilly, has been in the league for quite some time. He was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round during the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadien has spent his entire with three different teams. O’Reilly was shipped out to the Buffalo Sabres and then again to the St Louis Blues.
After contemplating retirement, the move to the Blues revived his career. He ended up winning the Selke Trophy, Stanley Cup, and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2018-19. O’Reilly is known for is stellar two-way play, as well as his penalty-killing skills.
When he first broke into the league, he led the Avalanche in takeaways (72), and followed that up with 101 the next season. He has always prided himself defensively as his next two seasons he had 83 and 98 takeaways respectively. Over the course of his career, he has a staggering 915 career takeaways. Though, he is not strictly defense.
Only four seasons throughout his career he has fallen shy of the 50-point mark. His best season came in 2018-19 where he scored 28 goals (career-high), 49 assists, and 77 points. Though, thus far this season, he has been having the worst year of his career.
Contract
Ryan O’Reilly is in the final year of a seven-year deal he signed back in 2015 with the Buffalo Sabres. He carries a cap hit of $7.5 million and is a will hit unrestricted free agency after the season ends.
With the Blues poised to be sellers at the deadline, moving on from him seems like the correct move. Any trade of O’Reilly will be looked upon as a move for a rental.
Potential Fit With Devils
The New Jersey Devils strength is down the middle. They have a great one-two punch with young stars in Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. If O’Reilly was to be brought in, he could serve as an anchor to the third line.
Given there are times when Hughes lines up on the wing and Erik Haula takes faceoffs, he could slot next to Hughes. The fit for him is not particularly there, but he would be a boost to the lineup for a deep playoff run.
Would A Deal Make Sense?
Given that general manager Tom Fitzgerald has repeatedly said he would prefer to make a deal for a player with term, giving up assets for rental does not fit the bill. Even though, O’Reilly would probably come cheaper due to his struggles producing.
There’s just too many different factors pointing toward O’Reilly and the Devils not making sense. Whether it be his age, his status as a rental, or his down-year a trade for O’Reilly seems unlikely.