Western conference team may steal Ryan O'Reilly this summer
The Toronto Maple Leafs' prospects of winning a Stanley Cup this season have been shattered, due to their defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers.
This disappointing outcome is likely to lead to significant changes within the team, including the search for a new General Manager.
Additionally, speculation surrounds the future of head coach Sheldon Keefe, the core players, and several unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and restricted free agents (RFAs) who require new contracts.
Ryan O'Reilly's Uncertain Future
Among the players whose future is under scrutiny, Ryan O'Reilly stands out. O'Reilly quickly became a favorite among Maple Leafs fans after being acquired in a trade from the St. Louis Blues before the deadline.
His determined and tenacious style of play won over the fanbase, and his contribution was instrumental in helping his former team secure a Stanley Cup in 2019, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy.
During the Leafs' season-ending press conference, O'Reilly remained noncommittal about his future with the team, likely avoiding revealing his intentions before contract negotiations.
As a pending UFA with a previous contract averaging $7.5 million per year, O'Reilly has yet to confirm whether he would be willing to accept a pay cut to stay with the Leafs.
Consequently, his name is likely to continue circulating in the rumor mill until he decides to sign a contract before free agency opens on July 1st.
Ryan O'Reilly Avalanche Return?
Possible Reunion with the Colorado Avalanche:
According to Adam Proteau of The Hockey News,
Proteau suggests that O'Reilly's return to the Avalanche could provide the team with the necessary elements to make a deep playoff run. While he may not command an exorbitant salary, a new contract in the range of $4 to $5 million per year seems plausible."
O'Reilly will definitely get plenty of attention this summer but will most likely love to head back to Colorado as he was disappointed when he left.
Credit Maple Leafs Daily
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 393 ANSWERS Western conference team may steal Ryan O'Reilly this summer Should The Toronto Maple Leafs Try To Re-Sign Ryan O'Reilly? | ||
| Yes | 308 | 78.4 % |
| No | 85 | 21.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531249.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531292.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
