New report confirms the Avalanche are closing in on a reunion with a familiar face

The idea is simple and familiar. When contenders look for playoff reliability down the middle, O'Reilly's name never stays quiet for long. He is 34 now, still trusted in defensive minutes, still winning draws, still playing heavy games that travel in April.

Jim Parsons from NHL Trade Talk writes that Nashville Predators management has not declared a selloff, but league chatter keeps circling the same point. If the Predators slide or retool, O'Reilly becomes one of the most obvious veteran chips on the board.

Colorado's interest makes sense on paper. O'Reilly was drafted 33rd overall by the Avalanche in 2009 and played his first six NHL seasons in Denver before his well known exit. The fit today would be different, quieter, and much more defined.

Minnesota Wild noise is real too. The Wild have searched for center depth that can handle tough matchups, protect leads, and stabilize younger linemates. O'Reilly checks those boxes without needing power play padding.

This is where fans start to squint. The Avalanche do not need a savior, they need insulation. O'Reilly would not bump Nathan MacKinnon or Mikko Rantanen down the marquee. He would slide into a third line role, take defensive zone draws, and close games when leads feel fragile.

That type of player always costs more than expected. O'Reilly has Stanley Cup pedigree, a Conn Smythe Trophy from 2019, and a Selke Trophy on his resume. Even with his age, Nashville would likely ask for a meaningful futures package.

From a fan lens, this one feels emotionally complicated. The contract dispute exit still lingers for some, but winning tends to smooth sharp edges quickly in this market.

The Avalanche front office has also shown discipline lately. Colorado values flexibility, draft capital, and avoiding bidding wars inside the division. That reality could cool things fast if Minnesota pushes harder.

Still, deadline seasons are about leverage and timing. If Nashville listens and Colorado sees the price settle, the door stays cracked.

For now, this is rumor layered on logic, not a move in motion. But it is the kind of rumor that sticks because the fit is easy to imagine, especially in a tight Central race.