3 Potential Trade Destinations for Predators' Ryan O'Reilly
The Nashville Predators are engaged in trade talks for Ryan O'Reilly, as the veteran center could be on the move before Friday's deadline. While the blame can't be pointed at the former Conn Smythe award winner, the Predators have struggled so bad this season that GM Barry Trotz has no choice but to listen to trade offers on everyone outside of Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg.Here's where O'Reilly could wind up, carrying a $4.5 million AAV for two more seasons:New Jersey DevilsFrank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that the Devils and Predators have discussed O'Reilly, as Devils' GM Tom Fitzgerald looks to find a replacement for Jack Hughes for the rest of this season. O'Reilly would be much more than that, as he has term on his contract and with his Stanley Cup Playoff experience, and familiarity with Devils' head coach Sheldon Keefe, could turn out to be a very valuable pickup for the Devils.Toronto Maple LeafsSpeaking of the Keefe/O'Reilly connection, there's been lots of chatter about the Leafs wanting a top-six center and someone to balance out the middle of their ice, and O'Reilly could cover that in spades. The only thing to consider here is the fact he turned down a contract offer that was very similar to the one he ended up signing in Nashville a couple of summers ago. We'll have to wait and see if Brad Treliving circles back, and just because O'Reilly doesn't have any trade protection, doesn't mean the Preds won't give him a choice on where to play.Florida PanthersThe Panthers have $4.1 million left in cap space with Matthew Tkachuk planted on LTIR, and O'Reilly would be a massive addition for the defending Stanley Cup champions. Florida is never shy to make bold moves, as we've seen with Seth Jones coming in for Spencer Knight. Now, the tables could turn into O'Reilly's direction, who would move the needle in a major way in Florida, for a team that's already stacked.Photo credit: Brad Penner...
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