Predators Consider Trading Veteran Center Ryan O'Reilly Amid Rebuilding Plans
The Nashville Predators are reportedly open to trading veteran center Ryan O’Reilly, who is set to become a free agent next season. Despite being 35, O’Reilly has posted seven goals and 14 points in 13 games, including four power-play markers and two game-winners. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that multiple teams have long desired him, signaling a potential roster overhaul under new GM Chris MacFarland.
The Nashville Predators are reportedly considering trading veteran center Ryan O’Reilly, 35, who is set to become a free agent after the 2026-27 season. Despite his age, O’Reilly has delivered strong early-season production, recording seven goals and 14 points in 13 games, including four power-play markers and two game-winning goals. His performance has drawn attention from multiple teams, as noted by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who stated that several franchises have long desired O’Reilly and that the Predators appear ready to retool under new general manager Chris MacFarland. The team sits at 4-4-5 through 13 games, having missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, reinforcing the urgency for roster changes. MacFarland, hired this summer, has already initiated moves such as the Jayden Struble trade with Montreal, signaling a broader restructuring effort. O’Reilly’s $4.5 million cap hit and pending free agency make him an attractive asset for teams seeking veteran leadership and scoring punch without long-term commitment. Friedman emphasized that while no deal is imminent and no suitor has been named, the conditions are in place for trade discussions to begin.
The broader context includes a shift in team strategy following two consecutive non-playoff seasons, prompting MacFarland to prioritize youth and flexibility over veteran presence. O’Reilly’s recent four-point game against Colorado on October 25 highlighted his continued effectiveness, particularly in hig
O’Reilly’s potential trade could signal a broader trend in the NHL of veteran players being moved as teams rebuild around younger talent. His case resembles that of Jarome Iginla or Joe Thornton in their final seasons—valuable contributors whose presence may hinder long-term development. If traded, O’Reilly could bolster a playoff contender seeking depth and experience, particularly on special teams, while providing Nashville with draft capital or prospects to accelerate its rebuild. The ripple effects might include increased trade activity as other teams assess their own roster needs ahead of the deadline. Comparable cases like the 2018 trade of David Backes from Boston to St. Louis show how veteran centers can still impact playoff runs even in short stints. What may unfold is a shift in market dynamics for high-impact, low-cap-risk veterans, especially those with power-play prowess. The Predators’ move could also influence how other teams approach free agency and trades involving agi