The O’Reilly-to-Ducks Rumor: Is This the Move That Cements Anaheim as a True Contender?

0 Diana khan November 13, 2025

Let’s be honest: almost nobody saw this coming from the Anaheim Ducks. Not this fast. Sitting atop the Pacific Division at 11-4-1, the Ducks are no longer a “fun young team.” They’re a legitimate threat, and it’s all happening because 20-year-old Leo Carlsson is playing like a franchise-altering superstar, putting up a staggering 26 points in 16 games.

When a team accelerates its timeline this dramatically, the front office has to react. And that’s exactly what we’re hearing.

The rumor mill is churning, and the name that’s heating up is Nashville Predators center, Ryan O’Reilly. This isn’t just a minor tweak. This is a “win-now” statement. The proposed deal is significant, but it’s the implication of adding a player like O’Reilly that should have the rest of the Western Conference on high alert. The Ducks aren’t just happy to be here; they’re looking to build a monster.

Analyzing the Proposed Ryan O’Reilly Trade and His Fit in Anaheim

Let’s break down the chatter. The rumored package sending O’Reilly to Orange County is reportedly centered around prospects Sam Colangelo, Tim Washe, and a 2026 first-round pick. From a Nashville Predators perspective, this is a savvy piece of asset management. O’Reilly has been excellent for them, but recouping a first-rounder and prospects for a 32-year-old veteran on a multi-year deal is a clear win for their long-term re-tool.

But for the Anaheim Ducks? This is a masterstroke of roster construction.

The rumor suggests O’Reilly would slot in as the third-line center, anchoring Mikael Granlund and Alex Killorn. Let that sink in. A Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe winner, and one of the league’s premier two-way centers playing on your third line. This is how championships are built.

This move isn’t just about adding another name. It’s about insulating the youth. O’Reilly immediately takes every critical defensive-zone faceoff. He becomes the team’s top penalty killer. He provides a veteran buffer for Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, allowing them to focus on offense without the pressure of a shutdown defensive role. That proposed third line becomes the most formidable, defensively responsible “checking” line in the league, one that can also score 20 goals. It’s the kind of depth that haunted teams like Toronto for years and propelled Vegas to a Cup. This signals that GM Pat Verbeek sees the window is open now. He’s not waiting. He’s leveraging his team’s surprising success to add the exact type of player you need to win playoff rounds.