One of the biggest free agents of the 2023 offseason, Ryan O'Reilly raised some eyebrows when he chose the Nashville Predators, and Nashville raised eyebrows throwing him a big contract.
Things worked out in year 1, so what can we expect going into year 2 for Rhino?
O'Reilly's 1st Year with Nashville Predators was near perfect
It took O'Reilly a few games to get going, but then eventually the first line gelled and became one of the most lethal in hockey. Matched up with Filip Forsberg and Gustav Nyquist the group all put up fantastic numbers. O'Reilly put up his 2nd best season statistically with 69 points (26 goals 43 assists) and was still his usual gentlemanly self and played a solid two way game.
If you're into the fancy stats, O'Reilly was stellar in that area too. His Corsi for % was sitting at 57.3 with the Fenwick right along there. His play was that of a top line center, answering the questions that many had if he still had it after a tough season split between the Maple Leafs and the Blues.
It was also the first time O'Reilly managed to play 82 games in the last five seasons. Things couldn't have gone much better for O'Reilly and company in year one.
2024-25 Season Outlook for O'Reilly
Expecting O'Reilly to equal or come close to the previous season is a reasonable thought. His 18 penalty minutes were the highest of his career and could come down, but that is nitpicky. The offensive aspects of his game though could in theory be better.
Right now it looks like the top line from last season will stay together, with O'Reilly centering. With the chemistry from last season carrying over everything is winding up for them to have a hot start.
Last year O'Reilly also had 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) on the power play. With the additions of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, the power play unit might actually get better. They finished last season with the 16th best power play in the league, The team should absolutely do better, and by virtue of that O'Reilly should do better.
The secret to O'Reilly's success might simply be health. The fact that he was on the ice for all 82 games last season was just as much a reason that he flourished offensively as having a great line and his own skill. With the Predators having a dynamite 2nd line (if we assume it's Stamkos, Novak, and Marchessault like Chad Minton suggests) the first line will get a lighter matchup from time to time, and be called on a little less in high pressure and danger situations.
There might also now be some lineup flexibility as well. If Novak flourishes and Head Coach Andrew Brunette wants to test him, switching him and O'Reilly might be a great way to charge up the lineup, and a way to throw other teams off when trying to game plan.
Now that the Predators truly have a top-6, O'Reilly should be able to shine in a variety of ways for the Nashville Predators this year.