REPORT: Two front-runners for Ryan O'Reilly EMERGE!

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Ryan
December 21, 2022 (5:06 PM)

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Ryan O'Reilly for the past few seasons has been known as one of the best two-way players in the National Hockey League.

He consistently puts up 50+ points, and has a Selke, Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup to his name.

O'Reilly is the captain of the St. Louis Blues, and it currently on an expiring 7 year contract that had an AAV of $7,500,000.

At 31 years old, he isn't having the best statistical season of his career, only potting 9 goals and 15 points in 33 games so far this season.

The Blues made the decision this offseason to commit long term to some of their young players and with them being currently outside a playoff spot, rumours have been swirling that the Blues could look to trade away their captain.

According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, there is currently two teams leading the way in possibly trading for O'Reilly.

We already know of one team, as it was reported a week ago that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been discussing internally about acquiring Ryan O'Reilly, but the other team who has emerged is the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche have been plagued with injuries to key players this season, and they're desperately hanging onto a playoff spot.

O'Reilly was originally a second round pick by the Avalanche back in 2009, where he spent the first 6 years of his career. He was later Traded from Colorado Avalanche with Jamie McGinn to Buffalo Sabres for Mikhail Grigorenko, JT Compher, Nikita Zadorov and round 2 pick in the 2015 draft (Jeremy Roy) - after a contract dispute.

With the departure of Nazem Kadri this past offseason, the Avalanche have been struggling to find that second line center that was crucial to their cup run, Ryan O'Reilly would provide just what they need.