To trade or not to trade Ryan O'Reilly is a very difficult decision for Trotz
I've been on the fence about trading or not trading Ryan O'Reilly going back to this time last season. I wrote about O'Reilly's importance to this franchise and how trading him away would be really hard to do, but it may be necessary.
More than a year has gone by, and the recent winning and culture building has changed my mind. This is what happens in sports. The games happen, and minds change. That's me and trading away O'Reilly.
However, as I said on the previous slide regarding Blankenburg, every player has their price. When it comes to O'Reilly, he has a big one and rightfully so. I'm not even listening to a phone call about O'Reilly unless they're serious about big time offers, and I mean you're going to have to overpay a little to get him.
What would an overpay for O'Reilly look like for me? I'll start with a proven prospect who has already seen NHL action and can drive offense. Seemingly a future replacement at the center position. Nashville still has a massive hole in that area, even with the hope of Brady Martin and the continued development of Fedor Svechkov. Not nearly enough. We need more to part ways with O'Reilly.
Furthermore, draft compensation obviously has to be included. At least a 2nd-round pick, but preferably a first. I get that this is a high asking price, and that's intententional and should be Trotz's strategy when it comes to O'Reilly.
Finally, I'm not shipping O'Reilly out without his blessing and approval. The guy has been a captain without having the official status. He loves this franchise and wants to win here. Don't do him wrong and ship him out to the highest bidder without his approval.