NHL Rumors: 3 Teams to Target Ryan O'Reilly This Offseason


Heading into the 2022-23 NHL season, Ryan O'Reilly found himself in a unique situation. He was on an expiring deal on a St.Louis Blues team that could either be a playoff team or just miss the cut and may be looking at a rebuild. Fast forward to the 2023 NHL trade deadline, and the Blues were on the outside looking in. As a result, O'Reilly was traded in a package deal to the Toronto Maple Leafs, for another chance to win the Stanley Cup. However, as mentioned before, he is on an expiring deal so let's take a look at three teams that could target O'Reilly this offseason.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are Ryan O'Reilly's hometown team. He grew up a fan of the team and now has had the chance to wear blue and white. It has been a trend in the past that veteran players that loved the team growing up, take a pay cut to stay with the team. If he is willing to reduce his salary per season, it would be no secret that GM Kyle Dubas will engage in contract discussions. O'Reilly has found a home on the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander and if he wants to stay and the Maple Leafs find a way, he could be a staple there next season as well. 

St.Louis Blues

The St.Louis Blues had to make the hard choice of trading their captain Ryan O'Reilly at the deadline to prepare for the future. There have been reports that they would be interested in bringing him back this offseason as the team attempts to retool as fast as possible. O'Reilly has been vocal about this love for the city of St.Louis and their fanbase. He also has a great relationship with the management and coaching staff which could make the Blues a sleeper pick to re-sign him.

Colorado Avalanche 

Remember when Ryan O'Reilly played for the Colorado Avalanche? Well he did, and he could again. When the Avalanche lost Nazem Kadri to the Calgary Flames last summer, it was evident that they had a large hole down the middle of their lineup. They signed Evan Rodrigues in an attempt to fill the void but it hasn't worked out as well as Kadri did. As a result, they may be one of the front runners to sign O'Reilly this offseason to play on the second line.


Photo Credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports