10 Massive Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Targets for the NHL Trade Deadline

Ryan O’Reilly (C)

Surprisingly, the St. Louis Blues have struggled mightily this season. If this continues, by the time the trade deadlines comes around, expect the franchise to have a fire sale. One of the Blues biggest assets is also their captain, Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly should be on the trading block because he is in the final year of the massive seven-year $52.5 million deal given to him by the former Buffalo Sabres GM, Tim Murray. The Blues will likely try to recoup some assets after giving up a giant package to land the Clinton, Ontario native in 2018. That trade included breakout star Tage Thompson going the other way.

O’Reilly got off to a very slow start to the season. In the first 11 games, he managed only to register two goals. Then he started to catch fire, going on a four game point streak before once again going cold.

The result is that in 19 games, O’Reilly has a total of five goals and three assists. He isn’t a very fast player but he does force the play and put opponents on the defensive. It took some time for O’Reilly to find his chemistry with new line mates after he and David Perron were split when Perron signed with the Detroit Red Wings. It’s something Dubas needs to consider if he’s eyeing adding the 31-year-old center.

Some believe O’Reilly brings exactly what the Leafs need. He is a proven performer in the postseason who has helped his team capture hockey’s biggest prize. O’Reilly even won the Conn-Smythe Trophy in 2019 as the playoffs MVP. His veteran presence and leadership, combined with his on-ice play, should help elevate the Buds when the games matter most.