Nashville Predators Discussing Ryan O'Reilly Trade Options

The Nashville Predators are open for business ahead of the NHL's trade deadline, and one prime trade target for contending teams, is former Conn Smythe winner Ryan O'Reilly.

'The Factor' has turned back the clock this season and is having a stellar season on both sides of the puck. O'Reilly has scored 20 goals and 56 points in 57 games, to lead Nashville, and at just $4.5 million AAV, he's an easy target for several contending teams. While O'Reilly doesn't have trade protection on his contract, management has made it very clear to O'Reilly they will only move him in a deal that O'Reilly approves for his young family.

As far as trade destinations go, the Colorado Avalanche are interested, so are the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. One team that's come out of nowhere recently, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts always seem to be completely forgotten about, and then pull off a significant deadline deal, and this season it could be for O'Reilly. 

With the Preds just four points out of a playoff spot, they will be patient in trade talks, so don't expect a deal to be announced right after the Olympic roster freeze. Instead, look for Nashville to wait it out to see what kind of streak they can get on once the NHL's season resume, and if they continue to be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture in the Western Conference, then look for their new management regime to pull the trigger on some deadline deals.

While O'Reilly is certainly a prime target for many teams, don't be surprised to see Jonathan Marchessault moved as well.

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