Elliotte Friedman Reveals Hidden Clause in Ryan O'Reilly's Contract That Could Trouble Brad Treliving
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed a big caveat in the contract of a third-line center Toronto is desperate to add at the trade deadline.
Brad Treliving expected to make a trade in order to add some stability and consistency to his third line. Marred with inconsistencies, and desperate for a player who is a playoff performer, they certainly have a few options.
Though he could definitely make a splash this season, there is no reason to sell the farm for a chance at success, but there are certain pieces available that can be used to bring the right people aboard, even without a 2025 first rounder.
One option linked to Toronto for a large part of the season is Ryan O'Reilly, a center who helped the Leafs win their first round series in 2022-23 (the first in nearly 20 years). He's a bit costly but offers everything the current team needs, and gives Nashville the assets back they need.
But there is one unfortunate catch in the whole situation.
Elliotte Friedman Reveals Unique Contract Scenario With Ryan O'Reilly
During Hockey Night in Canada's segment 'Saturday's Headlines' NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman touched on the potential of Ryan O'Reilly being traded this season, mentioning the Predators have an unwritten rule regarding him:
"He may not have protection language in his contract, but he's being treated as if he has a no-move clause... They see him as a leader on & off the ice.
However, they are going to at least consider it under two conditions.
Number one, the offer has got to be something that excites them. Number two it has to be something O'Reilly would agree to."
However, they are going to at least consider it under two conditions.
Number one, the offer has got to be something that excites them. Number two it has to be something O'Reilly would agree to."
An exciting offer no doubt includes an NHL-ready player and at least a first round draft pick, if not several picks spread throughout the first three or four rounds.
Toronto doesn't own a 2025 first rounder but they do in 2026, and would gladly part with it for a chance to win.
O'Reilly was acquired by Toronto in 2022-23 in order to bring in the exact type of support the team needs this season.
The team sent a few picks and a low-end prospect in a three team trade and brought not only O'Reilly but Noel Acciari as well; an underrated piece.
This season O'Reilly has been great for the struggling Predators, scoring 12 goals and 13 assists in 38 games.
He provides fantastic defense, offensive depth, faceoff acumen, and isn't afraid of stepping into a hit or two when the time calls for it.
When he played with the Maple Leafs he ended up with 11 points in 13 games plus nine points in 11 games in the playoffs, a place where he's found a lot of success including a Stanley Cup win in 2019; coincidentally with Craig Berube.
He was expected to re-sign however some locker room turmoil derailed those plans, but new management and faces are in town so he may be welcome to a return.
His $4.5M contract is a bit of an issue but with enough picks, perhaps a Nick Robertson addition and some salary retention; a deal can definitely be made.
Brad Treliving knows that he needs to add a third-line center to his roster, and a reunion with Ryan O'Reilly makes perfect sense. It's up to Nashville if they find a suitable offer from the Leafs GM, or if they decide to go elsewhere and leave him missing out yet again.
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