NHL analyst Criticizes Ryan O'Reilly Trade, Wanted Alternate Player for Leafs at Similar Cost

With the Ryan O'Reilly trade being finalized last week leading to his debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on the weekend, Maple Leaf's nation loved the trade and the depth added by Kyle Dubas.

But according to an NHL insider, he thinks that Dubas overpaid for O'Reilly and Acciari.

Kyle Dubas forever remembered for Ryan O'Reilly trade

Frank Servalli thinks this season-defining trade for the Maple Leafs could be the one that will be a trade Dubas is forever remembered for or the signature on his death warrant.

This is a debatable point, as the last time a major trade happened the Maple Leafs acquired an aging Nick Foligno. But to say Dubas overpaid for O'Reilly is a bit dubious, considering how he trimmed his salary to an affordable cap hit.

Servalli would go on to state that he doesn't believe that this trade will push the Leafs past Tampa Bay. That is a bold take in my opinion, as Seravalli isn't taking to account O'Reilly's post-season career, which is highly unfair to O'Reilly who can easily be plugged into the top-line if need be.

Was Timo Meier the better choice?

This also lead Seravalli to think that Timo Meier would've been the cheaper, option which is also unlikely, considering Timo Meier has a $10 Million dollar qualifying offer on the way.

Considering the fact that Meier is currently out with an upper-body injury and O'Reilly is on the Leaf's 2nd line producing, this statement is suspect at best.