If the Montreal Canadiens are serious about making a postseason push - not just sneaking into the playoffs, but actually making some noise - then bolstering their top six should be near the top of their trade deadline checklist. And more specifically, adding a second-line center could be the kind of needle-moving move that signals this team is ready to take the next step.
Enter Ryan O’Reilly.
The veteran center is putting together a quietly excellent season with the Nashville Predators, and he’s doing it in a way that checks just about every box the Canadiens should be looking to fill. Through 50 games, O’Reilly has posted 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points, with a plus-8 rating to boot. That’s not just solid - that’s top-six production from a player who brings a whole lot more than just points to the table.
At 34, O’Reilly isn’t just hanging on - he’s thriving. He’s currently riding a six-game point streak, racking up five goals and 13 points during that stretch.
That includes back-to-back three-point nights against Buffalo and Ottawa, showing he’s still capable of taking over games when it matters. And it’s not just a hot streak - it’s a reminder of the kind of impact he can have when he’s locked in.
But it’s what O’Reilly brings beyond the scoresheet that makes him such an intriguing fit for Montreal. He’s a proven two-way center who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and match up against top lines.
He’s the kind of player who makes your team better in all three zones - and he does it while setting the tone in the locker room. Leadership?
Check. Defensive responsibility?
Check. Playoff pedigree?
Big check.
And here’s the kicker: O’Reilly isn’t a short-term rental. He’s under contract through the 2026-27 season at a very manageable $4.5 million cap hit. That’s tremendous value for a player who can slot into your second line, contribute offensively, and serve as a veteran anchor for a young core that’s still learning how to win consistently.
For a Canadiens team that’s trying to transition from rebuilding to contending, this is exactly the kind of move that could accelerate the process. O’Reilly brings the experience, the production, and the presence that can help stabilize a lineup and raise the floor - and ceiling - of this roster.
If Montreal wants to send a message that they’re not just here to compete, but to contend, Ryan O’Reilly might be the message.