Colorado Avalanche Trying to Acquire Nashville Predators' Ryan O'Reilly

The Colorado Avalanche moved Samuel Girard and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for veteran defenceman Brett Kulak, and while it may have been a significant deal, it's the aftermath that everyone is talking about.

The Avs moved on Girard, who is signed long term and they also freed up some cap space, and now currently sit with over $8 million in available resources heading into the trade deadline. There's growing speculation they aren't anywhere near finished, and one player on their trade radar is Nashville Predators, and former Av - Ryan O'Reilly.

O'Reilly and the Predators have a mutual agreement in place, as he doesn't have any trade protection formally on his contract, but management has agreed they'll keep him in the loop in trade talks, and only move him to a situation he's comfortable with for his family. Heading back to Colorado is something O'Reilly is rumored to be open to.

'The Factor' spent six seasons in Colorado from 2009-2015 and is currently having one of his best seasons at age 35. He's posted 20 goals and 56 points in 57 games, and is able to contribute in all three zones, and on both sides of special teams. This is the type of trade that could send the Avs from Stanley Cup contender to Stanley Cup favorite.

As far as salary goes, O'Reilly earns a very reasonable $4.5 million AAV, and it's not out of the question another forward from the Preds could go with him to Colorado. Jonathan Marchessault or Michael Bunting could also be included in this trade, and give the Avs a sure fire way to round out their top-three lines.

Keep an eye on the Preds, they're open for business selling off their trade assets, and the Avalanche are one of the league's most aggressive buyers at the moment.

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