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Ryan O’Reilly Signs With Nashville Predators

Christopher Bagdonas / NHL / July 1, 2023

Ryan O’Reilly Signs With Nashville

Ryan O’Reilly is signing with the Predators, and the Barry Trotz era is off to a weird start in Nashville. Yes, him and Luke Schenn may improve the culture. But it makes very little sense as a hockey move for a rebuilding team. Elliotte Friedman confirmed via Twitter (not working!) that it’s 4 years and $18 million.

This is a head-scratching move. Yes, the former Conn Smythe winner still has plenty left in the tank. But why not go somewhere with a better chance of winning? I’m sure teams would be on their hands and knees to give $4.5 million a season to O’Reilly. Maybe with Brunette in the fold they have an outside chance of making the playoffs. But if you buy out Matt Duchene’s contract you should probably just commit to the rebuild. I’m not really sure where the Preds go from here in all honesty.

O’Really?

The main issue for ROR these days is his health. As he’s gotten older, he’s had a harder time staying in the lineup. Between the Blues and the Maple Leafs he scored 30 points in 53 games this season. For reference, he hasn’t played all 82 games in a season since 2018-2019. When on the ice, he’s still one of the best two-way forwards around. It will definitely be an interesting fit between him and Filip Forsberg assuming they keep him. Nashville still has a little under $14 million left in cap space after this deal. We will have to see if they target one-year deals for immediate improvements or more term to fit in this retool.

2023 NHL Free Agency Live Tracker

Ryan O’Reilly is returning to the central division in free agency. However, it will be at the Blues expense. Barry Trotz has lured the veteran forward to Nashville on a four-year contract.