Over the last three days, rumors have been swirling within NHL circles suggesting that the Nashville Predators may trade another player. Ryan O’Reilly, who has been the subject of many trade speculations throughout the season, has seen that chatter intensify recently. Several national media outlets have named teams like the Maple Leafs, Capitals, Devils, and Avalanche as potential destinations for the Predators’ assistant captain.
At first glance, this seems reasonable. O’Reilly has played 34 games as the first-line center alongside Filip Forsberg and Luke Evangelista, leading the team with 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists). At 34 years old and in the third year of a four-year, $18 million contract with a $4.5 million average annual value, he’s a seasoned player who many teams might realistically pursue. Despite some media suggesting that O’Reilly is better suited for a third-line role to reduce pressure, his veteran presence and affordable contract make him appealing.
Given his age, it’s likely that O’Reilly wants to compete for a Stanley Cup before retiring. However, the Predators are currently struggling, tied for last place in the league with a 6-12-4 record to start the season. O’Reilly has openly expressed frustration, notably criticizing himself after a loss to the Flyers in early November. His candid remarks about struggling with turnovers and pass accuracy sparked debate among analysts about his dissatisfaction in Nashville.
While these points might suggest a trade is imminent, a closer look reveals that the rumors may be overstated or outdated. Since his comment, the Predators have improved, winning eight of their last 12 games, including a recent 5-3 victory over the Maple Leafs. During this period, O’Reilly has contributed 15 points in 12 games and has been a key factor in the team’s turnaround while maintaining top-line minutes.
The team’s recent progress deflates some of the speculation about O’Reilly’s departure. The head coach Andrew Brunette and players credit their ongoing hard work for recent successes and growing positive momentum. O’Reilly himself has been playing well and is getting solid support for the first time this season; he might prefer to see how this positive stretch unfolds rather than leaving early.
Moreover, the term “rebuild” is more nuanced than starting from scratch. The general manager Barry Trotz has emphasized that while the team is rebuilding, it’s more about gradually integrating younger players alongside veterans. For instance, 23-year-old Luke Evangelista has already emerged as a strong contributor on the top line with O’Reilly and Forsberg. The veterans rumored to be seeking trades are expected to mentor the younger players, making a full roster overhaul unlikely.
That doesn’t mean trading isn’t happening at all—it’s just focused on smaller moves rather than blockbuster deals. A recent example is defenseman Spencer Stastny’s trade to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 third-round pick. Such trades target players who are valuable but not star-level.
While the names O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, and Juuse Saros get the most attention, other players like Michael Bunting, Eric Haula, and Nick Blankenburg deserve notice. Bunting has scored 19 points in 34 games from the third line and could be valuable for teams looking to bolster their depth. Haula leads the team in power play points and brings veteran center experience. Blankenburg, though shorter at 5’9″, has positively contributed from the blue line with 14 points, second only to Roman Josi.
From a contract standpoint, these players are in their final contract years, making them easier to move without major salary cap consequences. Adding strong role players like these is a key focus for the Predators.
The clearest reason why an O’Reilly trade seems unlikely soon is that he doesn’t want to leave Nashville yet. Journalist Pierre LeBrun reported on December 19 that O’Reilly told interested teams he’s “not ready to accept the idea of a trade at this time.” He expressed love for Nashville and a desire to be part of the solution rather than leave the team behind. LeBlanc from The Athletic even suggested that a trade may never happen.
On a personal level, O’Reilly has roots in Nashville beyond hockey. He has a wife and four children there, participates in the local music scene as a backing vocalist for an Irish bluegrass band called Jig Jam, and has released nursery rhymes. Nashville is both his hockey home and a thriving music city, which adds to his attachment.
While an O’Reilly trade wouldn’t be shocking, given the Predators’ current trajectory and long-term plans, it’s unclear why he or the team would want to part ways now.
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Fan Take: This rumor highlights the delicate balance teams face between rebuilding and remaining competitive, especially around veteran players like O’Reilly. His potential trade—or decision to stay—will significantly affect the Predators’ future dynamics and offers hockey fans an intriguing storyline about loyalty, leadership, and the team’s direction.
