Oilers best fit for trade upgrade may decline move to Edmonton
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
In a recent article on the Oilerig.ca, the analyst wrote about what is likely Edmonton's best choice at this year's NHL Trade deadline.
O'Reilly is perhaps the best player to fill the centre role, providing a sound defensive game that would complement the firepower of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl nicely. He will be quite expensive to trade for, and there is some question about what situation he might waive his rights to join.
A few years ago O'Reilly turned down the opportunity to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Some speculation about his reasons exists, from his willingness to accept a third line role, to his willingness to play in a Canadian market.
- The Oil Rig
A few years ago O'Reilly turned down the opportunity to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Some speculation about his reasons exists, from his willingness to accept a third line role, to his willingness to play in a Canadian market.
- The Oil Rig
Yet, as the NHL trade-deadline approaches, and with the shrinking timeline caused by the roster-freeze during the Olympic break, the playoff picture becomes clearer, as are Edmonton's needs going into the post-season.
By most accounts, it's a 3C the Oilers will target. There is a lot to sort out, though. Jack Roslovic could be an internal option, but like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, he's playing well on the wing.
Some reports have suggested Adam Henrique as a possible solution at 3C when he returns to the lineup, though unlikely given his poor level of play before the injury and the time it would take to get his NHL-pace back.
No, the solution will come from an external source and O'Reilly is the perfect fit.
Ryan has one-year remaining on his $4.5M cap hit and 4-year deal with Nashville and no trade-restrictions either, so the Preds are free to negotiate with whichever team has the best offer.
It will probably cost Edmonton a first-round draft pick and an A-level prospect. Due to O'Reilly's strong performance in the 2025-26 season-already reaching the 50-point mark through 50 games-his trade value remains high despite being 34-years old.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|350 ANSWERS Oilers best fit for trade upgrade may decline move to Edmonton Is Ryan O'Reilly a good for the Oilers at the trade-deadline? | ||
| yes | 237 | 67.7 % |
| no | 113 | 32.3 % |
| List of polls | ||