Rumors are abuzz that the New Jersey Devils could have an interest in pursuing Stanley Cup Champion Ryan O’Reilly come trade deadline time per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.
The Devils are looking to bulk up down the middle as they prepare for a lengthy playoff run and O’Reilly is a player that the Nashville Predators could potentially be looking to deal.
O’Reilly, who is amid his second season in Nashville, is No. 17 overall on TSN’s trade bait board. The 33-year-old has two years left on his contract at $4.5 million per.
VANCOUVER, CANADA – JANUARY 3: Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the Nashville Predators skates during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January 3, 2025 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver,…
VANCOUVER, CANADA – JANUARY 3: Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the Nashville Predators skates during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January 3, 2025 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.
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He provides a young and speedy Devils team the kind of playoff pedigree that Cup runs are built on and New Jersey general Manager Tom Fitzgerald knows it.
“Somebody that can come in and maybe give us that extra oomph — and maybe properly slot people to make us a strong, four-line team come playoff time,” Fitzgerald said. “And build depth because of injuries. And build competition, too. We love what we have. I just really want to add on top of that.”
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It’s a narrow market when it comes to centermen in this trade deadline class. Other notable names would be Philadelphia Flyer Scott Laughton, Seattle Kraken Yanni Gourde, Boston Bruin Trent Frederi,c and of course the biggest fish in the pond, Vancouver Canuck J.T. Miller, who brings a lot more expense witfiveer years remaining each valued at $8 million.
“When you look at how many players can play other positions, you can’t have enough centers,” Fitzgerald said. “You just can’t.”
LeBrun reports that the Predators are not currently shopping for O’Reilly. General manager Barry Trotz told the outlet that he isn’t looking to tear the team down despite slipping out of the playoff race this season following making the playoffs in nine of the last 10 seasons.
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“I’m open-minded,” Fitzgerald said. “Ideally, you want someone with term so that this is your group even for a two-year run. But if not, I’m willing to pay for a rental. And then are there options to re-sign him?”
O’Reilly doesn’t have any no-trade protection in his contract, but the understanding is that the Predators would prefer to keep him in the fold with the group they have built.
However, LeBrun notes that if O’Reilly’s agent went to the Predators and said, “This is a team that would really interest Ryan,” that could move the needle.
For now, O’Reilly is transparent about wanting to stick around in Nashville.
“I had a brief chat. I think it’s speculation from people outside talking to Barry,” O’Reilly said, per 102.5 The Game Nashville’s Nick Kieser. “I’m part of this team and I think unless something crazy happens, which we don’t really expect to, I’m part of this group and I plan to be in the future. He said he wants me to be a part of it here. I’m not worried, this is where I want to be and this group.”
Ryan O’Reilly when I asked him about being treated as if he has a NMC with the Nashville Predators and if he’s spoken to GM Barry Trotz. pic.twitter.com/ohCCgYqIxV
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) January 16, 2025
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