The Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed Ryan O’Reilly to a four-year deal worth $4.5 million per season.
Ryan O’Reilly is signing a four-year $4.5M deal with the Nashville Predators, per @FriedgeHNIC. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/feWy18jYBO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2023
What Will Ryan O’Reilly Bring to His New Team?
As outlined above, O’Reilly is an outstanding two-way centre, arguably only second to Patrice Bergeron in the league. As such, he will undoubtedly be a top asset even at 31 years of age.
His combination of grit, natural defensive talents and speed have helped him develop into this player. He has the on-ice attitude to hustle and cover teammates, plus a offensive strong skill set. Although playmaking is his top attribute, he can score when needed, shown by his 256 goal-tally.
O’Reilly is also a fantastic leader. Each club he has played for has benefited from his guidance and his new team will be no different. The youngsters will be able to follow his example when developing their careers and his fellow veterans will also be thrilled to have another strong voice in the room.
O’Reilly’s NHL Career So Far
After a respectable junior career with the OHL’s Erie Otters, O’Reilly was drafted 33rd overall in 2009 by the Colorado Avalanche. Since then he has gone from strength to strength to establish himself as one of the league’s best two-way forwards.
After making his debut with the Avs in October 2009, O’Reilly became a key part of the squad during his six-year tenure. Despite the team’s struggles during a difficult period for Colorado, the Canadian scored 246 points, including 90 goals, in 427 appearances. He was also awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for his performances and conduct during the 2013-14 season.
In June 2015, O’Reilly was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. He was notoriously dissatisfied during his time in upstate New York, famously stating he lost his love of the game as a result of the Sabres’ poor form.
Nevertheless, O’Reilly himself played well. During his time wearing blue, yellow and white, he scored 176 points, including 65 goals in 224 appearances. This made it easy for Buffalo to find suitors when trading him in July 2018.
Ultimately, O’Reilly landed with the St Louis Blues. He enjoyed a career year in his first season, with 77 points in 82 games. This earned him a second All-Star Game appearance and the Selke Trophy as the best two-way forward.
Not only that, but he would help the Blues would turnaround their season from the bottom of the standings to Stanley Cup champions. O’Reilly was also awarded the Conn Smythe as playoffs MVP.
O’Reilly was ultimately traded at last season’s deadline to the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing a total of 13 games. However, he will be fondly remembered by Blues fans for their Cup run, his 172 points in 327 games and as their most recent captain.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
