Dec 29, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) handles the puck during an overtime period of the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Nashville Predators at Little Caesars Arena.

Photo credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

If the Detroit Red Wings need to get better down the center, they could do worse than this Nashville Predators veteran.

If the playoffs are the goal for the Detroit Red Wings, they should call GM Barry Trotz.

In order to accumulate draft capital and prospects, the team will need to sell off its valuable veterans in order to position itself for the next 3-5 years of growth.

While Alex Tuch (94 goals in three seasons) might be an attractive option for general manager Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings, there may be more negotiating with that forward, who, as a pending UFA, will want a shot at a playoff run, something the Red Wings haven’t been able to deliver in nine seasons.

Would the Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly be the perfect fit for the Detroit Red Wings?

With Barry Trotz tearing it down to the studs, maybe the next step. The team will be selling off its veteran talent, and the Red Wings should inquire about Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly is a 20-goal scorer, is a reliable face-off winner (55.7% on the draw), and is making $4.5 million this season and next. O’Reilly could be the ideal center the Red Wings need.

At a team-friendly value, the Red Wings should make it a point to trade for him. Though there is one obstacle to negotiate with him:

“O’Reilly does have a no-movement clause, but he’s an old-school player who probably would be willing to move for an opportunity to play meaningful games down the stretch.”

Given he could be sold on the opportunity to play with forwards Patrick Kane and Dylan Larkin, along with a potential Stanley Cup playoff run, maybe he can be persuaded to drop it?

Either way, the Red Wings have one suitable target to upgrade at the center position.

O’Reilly has won one Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and has played 1173 games in the NHL and scored 837 points (309-528).

Previously on Red Wings Insider

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Red Wings have much better fit in a trade for Predators’ key center

Should the Detroit Red Wings trade for center Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators?