The Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars are among the teams interested in Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday.
O'Reilly's contract doesn't contain any trade protection, but there's reportedly an understanding that the Predators would bring any trade scenario to him and his agent before accepting a deal. Additionally, O'Reilly's priority coming out of the Olympic break is helping Nashville get into the playoffs, league sources told LeBrun.
The Predators enter Saturday two points out of a playoff spot. They have a 35.6% chance of making the postseason, per MoneyPuck.
O'Reilly is signed through next season with a $4.5-million cap hit. He's in the midst of a stellar campaign, pacing the Predators with 57 points in 58 games.
The 35-year-old has a strong playoff resume with 67 points in 81 career postseason contests. O'Reilly won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019 when he helped the St. Louis Blues win their first Stanley Cup. He also took home the Selke Trophy that season.
O'Reilly began his career with the Avalanche. He would likely slot in as Colorado's third-line center behind Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson.
The Wild need a second-line center and have also been linked to Vincent Trocheck, among others.
The Stars are deep down the middle with Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, and Matt Duchene, but all three players have experience on the wing. Dallas also has ample cap space after reports that Tyler Seguin won't return for the playoffs.
