New report confirms that the Avalanche are closing in on an $18M star center

O'Reilly, now 34 and carrying a $4.5 million cap hit through next season, was drafted 33rd overall by the Avalanche in 2009 and spent his first six NHL seasons in Denver before going on to a long career including a Stanley Cup with St. Louis.

Arjun Bernardshaw from the Pro Football Network writes that through 33 games this season with the Nashville Predators, he's leading the club in scoring with 27 points on 10 goals and 17 assists, and his mix of experienced, defensively responsible play is exactly what Colorado's top-heavy roster could use when the playoffs arrive.

Jack Drury has done solid work at third-line center, but as the Avalanche chase another deep Stanley Cup run a more seasoned option at 3C would tighten up key matchups.

There's a real split among the fanbase about this move, with some loving the nostalgia of a former Av and others worried about moving future assets for a rental-ish piece in his mid-30s.

Making a deal won't be easy. Nashville isn't mathematically out of the race yet, and GM Barry Trotz has hinted he'd at least consult with O'Reilly before moving him, even though he doesn't have a formal no-trade clause.

From a cap perspective, O'Reilly fits better than most options, but any trade likely needs Colorado to clear salary and include meaningful future assets, so the price tag isn't insignificant.

Colorado sits near the top of the standings with one of the league's best records, and that bulwark position gives them leverage when chasing upgrades; a seasoned center who can kill penalties, win draws and anchor the third line in tight postseason games is exactly the kind of chess piece contenders covet.

Despite the noise, nothing is imminent yet, so this remains rumor territory rather than a confirmed deal in motion. Still, it's one of the more talked-about possibilities as the trade deadline inches closer and Colorado looks to protect its President's Trophy hopes.