The NHL has a long way to go until the trade deadline, which is March 6.

But the Minnesota Wild opened proceedings early with their blockbuster deal for Quinn Hughes.

That has writers around the NHL wondering what might be next. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston dug in with some trade matches in a new article this week.

One guy they see likely to move is Ryan O’Reilly from the Nashville Predators.

LeBrun thinks the Wild would make the most sense as a destination.

“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,” LeBrun writes.

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Johnston thinks the Colorado Avalanche may make more sense.

“The Avalanche drafted O’Reilly and gave him his NHL start as a teenager, and they’ve now got room to add up the middle during a season where they’re all-in chasing a Stanley Cup,” Johnston writes. “It has the makings of a comfortable situation for all involved.”

O’Reilly won’t come cheap, and the Wild already gave up quality assets to land Hughes.

If he went to Colorado instead, he’d have to slot a ways down the depth chart, maybe not a role he’d love.

Both acquiring teams, and others around the NHL, would love to add O’Reilly. So if he’s available, count on the rumors to continue in earnest.

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