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Avalanche reportedly still kicking tires on a surprise homecoming in latest trade rumour

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Theodore Mosby
December 19, 2025 (12:30)

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The Ryan O'Reilly reunion chatter hits home for the Colorado Avalanche, blending trade deadline logic with old memories that still sting and still matter in Denver.

Ryan O'Reilly was drafted 33rd overall by Colorado in 2009, and his name never fully left the building even after a messy exit in 2015. Now 34 and wearing Nashville colors, his fit suddenly feels relevant again.

Avalanche reportedly exploring a surprise homecoming in latest trade rumour.

The Hockey News floated the idea that Colorado could explore a return if the Predators decide to move veterans later this season. It is framed as depth insurance, not a headline splash.

O'Reilly still checks boxes coaches trust. He wins faceoffs, plays inside the dots, and does the quiet defensive work that shows up in playoff series more than box scores.

He leads Nashville in scoring and carries a manageable $4.5 million cap hit through next season, which matters for a Colorado team that constantly juggles dollars to chase Cups.

Colorado's center depth has been good, not perfect. Nathan MacKinnon drives everything, but the bottom six can still wobble when matchups tighten and games slow down.

This is where fans split, because O'Reilly represents reliability, but also a past era some would rather leave alone. Still, you can hear the building nod when his name comes up.

O'Reilly would not be asked to be a savior. He would be asked to stabilize a third line, kill penalties, and handle defensive zone draws when one mistake flips a series.

That kind of role ages better than speed-based scoring, and Colorado's system can hide what he no longer does at an elite level.

There is also the Nashville side. If the Predators drift out of the race, Barry Trotz has incentive to listen, especially with younger players needing minutes.

Any deal would require Colorado to move money and future assets, and that price is the real test. Championship windows make teams brave, but not reckless.

Nothing is imminent, and nothing is promised. Still, the idea of O'Reilly coming back as a supporting piece feels less dramatic and more practical than it once did.

If this reunion ever happens, it would not be about closure or nostalgia. It would be about surviving four rounds, one hard shift at a time.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

Avalanche icon didn't hold back when asked about losing Quinn Hughes in NHL's latest blockbuster

You'll never believe what Cale Makar just said about Quinn Hughes joining the Central Division

New report just leaked Cale Makar's projected next contract

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DECEMBRE 19 \| 23 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly still kicking tires on a surprise homecoming in latest trade rumour Should the Colorado Avalanche pursue Ryan O'Reilly?
Yes	14	60.9 %
No	9	39.1 %
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Avalanche reportedly still kicking tires on a surprise homecoming in latest trade rumour

The Ryan O'Reilly reunion chatter hits home for the Colorado Avalanche, blending trade deadline logic with old memories that still sting and still matter in Denver.

Avalanche reportedly exploring a surprise homecoming in latest trade rumour.

Should the Colorado Avalanche pursue Ryan O'Reilly?