Ryan O’Reilly Is the Heart of the Predators - And That’s Exactly Why Trading Him Isn’t So Simple
How do you move on from your team’s most valuable player-especially when he’s the reason you're knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a 68-point season that had you watching from the outside last spring? That’s the dilemma facing the Nashville Predators right now. They’re straddling the line between playoff hopeful and potential trade deadline seller, and Ryan O’Reilly is right at the center of that tightrope.
Let’s start with what just happened: Nashville went into Colorado and handed the Avalanche their first regulation home loss of the season. That’s not just a win-it’s a statement.
And it was delivered loud and clear by O’Reilly, who notched a hat trick before the second period was even halfway done. That’s the kind of performance that turns heads across the league-and raises eyebrows in front offices.
But here’s the thing about O’Reilly: his goals aren’t always flashy. You won’t always find them on the highlight reel.
What you will find is a guy who thrives in the trenches-fighting for space in front of the net, battling for pucks along the boards, and doing all the gritty, thankless work that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. He’s not just producing; he’s setting the tone.
This is O’Reilly’s seventh career hat trick, and while that’s impressive, it only scratches the surface of his value to the Predators. He’s a leader in every sense-an on-ice extension of the coaching staff, a calming presence in the locker room, and a guy who holds himself accountable before anyone else can.
That kind of leadership doesn’t grow on trees. It’s earned, and it’s rare.
So yes, he’s drawing interest on the trade market. And yes, teams are willing to pay up for a player like this-especially one with playoff pedigree and a proven track record.
But for Nashville to even consider moving him, the return would have to be substantial. Think a first-round pick and a young, NHL-ready talent.
Anything less, and you’re not just trading a player-you’re trading your team’s identity.
Because make no mistake: O’Reilly is the Predators’ MVP this season. More than Juuse Saros.
More than Filip Forsberg. More than Steven Stamkos.
He’s been the engine behind their resurgence, and the emotional core of a team that’s still finding its way under GM Barry Trotz’s vision.
And this isn’t just a veteran on a hot streak. O’Reilly has bought in.
He believes in the direction this team is headed. He’s never made it about himself-unless it’s to take responsibility when things go wrong.
That kind of self-awareness and team-first mentality is exactly what you want in your locker room, especially when you’re trying to build something sustainable.
Now, could things change before the March 6 trade deadline? Absolutely.
There are still 15 games to play before then, and the standings can shift in a hurry-especially with the Olympic break looming. If the Predators stumble and find themselves slipping out of the playoff picture, the conversation might change.
But if they stay in the hunt, or even gain ground, it’s hard to imagine Trotz pulling the trigger on a deal that sends his most important player out the door.
Because when you’ve got a guy like O’Reilly-who plays with heart, leads by example, and delivers when it matters most-you don’t just trade him for the sake of a rebuild. You build around him.
And right now, the Predators are still very much in the fight.