Talk around the Avs has suddenly turned to a familiar name, Ryan O'Reilly, and whether the Colorado Avalanche could bring back their ex-center to chase another Cup while adding some veteran depth. The Predators veteran, who Colorado drafted and developed, is now a central figure in trade chatter that's gaining steam across NHL rumor circles.
O'Reilly, 34, began his NHL career as the Avalanche's second-round pick (33rd overall) in 2009 and cracked the roster immediately, becoming the youngest player in Avalanche history at the time. He was a two-way force who led the team in takeaways and saw his offensive game blossom before being traded in 2015.
Avalanche fans remember O'Reilly's two-way game.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that currently with the Nashville Predators, O'Reilly is being viewed as a potential trade chip as Nashville sits outside playoff contention and has entered a slower rebuild phase. Recent reports list the Avalanche as one of the more logical fits, with Colorado's strong record and urgent Cup aspirations making a reunion storyline enticing.
That said, there's a healthy dose of skepticism among some analysts about the noise. A recent column pointed out that while O'Reilly's name pops up often, the Predators may not actually move him quickly or cheaply, thanks to his leadership role and the lack of formal trade protection despite reported preferences.
For Avalanche fans, the idea of O'Reilly returning carries emotional weight. He wasn't just a roster player; he was a center who could wrestle in the defensive zone and chip in offensively. That two-way game was one of the characteristics that made him a fan favorite during his first stint in Denver, and it's part of why this rumor feels more tangible than many others at midseason.
If Colorado does pursue O'Reilly, it likely wouldn't be as a top-line option but rather as a versatile middle-six forward who brings experience, face-off prowess, and penalty kill reliability. His current stat line with Nashville, around 30 points in 36 games, shows he can still contribute at 5-on-5 and on special teams.
Cap space and return cost remain the two biggest hurdles. Nashville would presumably seek a tangible asset in return, and Colorado's tight cap situation means careful roster balancing would be required before any deal gets done. For now, it's chatter; but it's the kind of rumor that could pick up traction as the trade deadline approaches.