Predators' Ryan O'Reilly Opens Up On Future In Nashville

Friday, September 18, 2026
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Under former Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, veteran center Ryan O'Reilly was treated as if he had a no-trade clause in his contract, even though he did not. O'Reilly loves it in Nashville, and has fended off any trade interest from other teams. 

But now, as he heads into the final season of that four-year deal, there's a new sheriff in town, with Chris MacFarland taking over as the new president of hockey operations and GM. He has made no such promises to O'Reilly, and the 35-year-old has to come to terms with what his future holds after this season (or even before). 

As we've seen this offseason, MacFarland is not shy about making moves to reconstruct the Predators roster, and there are no guarantees for O'Reilly. The 17-year veteran, coming off one of the best seasons of his long career, opened up to the media on Friday about the status of contract talks (hint: there haven't really been any).

"There hasn't been a ton of dialog. I think we'll get to that soon," said O'Reilly. "I think there's been so much change here and a lot of new things going on, and I think as things progress here, we'll talk.

"Obviously, Nashville is an amazing place and would love to stay here. I think that'll handle itself when the time comes, but right now, I think for myself is just focus on having a good start...trying to control what I control. There's no kind of rush on either side right now. I think we've got time, which is good, and that'll all kind of work out as the season progresses." 

O'Reilly posted 25 goals and 74 points last season, the latter number a seven-year high for the respected vet. 

As referenced above, MacFarland certainly has a vision for where the Predators are headed, and has made a slew of changes in Nashville. Some are suggesting that O'Reilly could be on the block next. We'll have to see how this plays out. 

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