As of right now, two things are true. The New Jersey Devils are off to an excellent start to their season, and the Nashville Predators are not. As a result, the two teams have been linked to each other in a potential Devils trade with one specific target in mind.
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Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was adamant this summer about adding depth in New Jersey. He’s certainly been bang on so far, with additions such as Conor Brown and Arseny Gritsyuk, while also retaining Cody Glass.
The latter is on the sideline with an undisclosed injury. He projects to return soon. However, it’s proven just how thin the Devils’ center depth can become amid injuries.
Enter the Predators, and Ryan O’Reilly.
On a recent episode of DMase Vingan & Daunic podcast, Elliotte Friedman connected the Devils to O’Reilly.
“And I also think that, you know, and I still do think there will be interest in O’Reilly when and if the time comes,” Friedman explained. “You know, last year they asked him about Toronto. I don’t think he was crazy about that idea.
“He’d been there, done that. He chose Nashville for a reason. I believe that a team like New Jersey would covet a player like O’Reilly. He’s a player that they have had some interest in for a long time.”
Friedman started the conversation by explaining that although O’Reilly owns no trade protection in the final two years of his contract, the Predators are treating the veteran center as if he does.
Yet, with such short term left on the deal, and the downward spiral Nashville is going in, a full-blown fire-sale could be on the horizon. If that’s the case, you can expect the Devils to be in the O’Reilly sweepstakes.
Quite honestly, O’Reilly is a perfect fit. At 34 years old, and with a year remaining on his contract after this season, he’s the perfect center to slide into the 3C position behind Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, while also pushing Cody Glass down to fourth-line duties.
His $4.5 million AAV is more than digestible, and despite nearing his mid-30’s, he shows no signs of slowing down with five goals and nine points in 13 games this season.
O’Reilly is a bit of a Swiss-Army Knife. He’s a stalwart defensive forward that can also drive offense. He’s also the kind of forward that can play on either special teams unit, and is superb in the face-off dot.
If and when the Predators bow out of playoff contention, rest assured that the Devils will be first in line to speak with Nashville GM Barry Trotz about O’Reilly.
