The injury bug has bitten the Montreal Canadiens hard, and frankly, the timing couldn’t be worse. According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, General Manager Kent Hughes is officially prowling the trade market. He isn’t just looking for depth; he is hunting for a legitimate second-line center.
The reality of the current NHL market is bleak for buyers. There are very few sellers this early in the season, and the asking prices are skyrocketing. However, if you look at the Nashville Predators, a solution presents itself—one that brings grit, leadership, and a Conn Smythe pedigree.
My take is simple: Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly is the exact type of stabilizer the Canadiens need right now.
At 34 years old, O’Reilly isn’t the young prospect Hughes usually covets, but desperate times call for reliable measures. He is a left-hand shot who dominates the faceoff circle and plays a heavy game that translates to playoff success. With a manageable $4.5 million AAV through the 2026-27 season, his contract isn’t an albatross; it’s a bargain for the culture he instills in a locker room.
Does Ryan O’Reilly Fit Kent Hughes’ Long-Term Plan?
Here is where the rubber meets the road. Hughes has historically targeted “younger veterans”—players like Kirby Dach or Alex Newhook who can grow with the core. O’Reilly is on the back nine of his career. Furthermore, the cost would be steep. If Nashville decides to shop him, they will likely demand a first-round pick and a top prospect. Is Hughes willing to mortgage a piece of the future for immediate stability?
Then there is the “Canadian Market” factor. We know O’Reilly opted not to re-sign in Toronto a few summers ago, preferring the relative anonymity of Nashville. While he technically lacks no-trade protection, the Predators organization treats him with the respect of a player who has one. It is unlikely he would agree to move back into the scorching spotlight of Montreal unless he truly believes this team is a playoff contender.
However, from an expert perspective, O’Reilly brings something money can’t buy: accountability. Placing him between Cole Caufield or Juraj Slafkovsky could do wonders for their development. He plays the game the right way, every single shift. If the Canadiens want to stop the bleeding and teach their young core how to win, Ryan O’Reilly is worth the high price tag.
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