Insider reveals why the Leafs Opted for O'Reilly and Acciari Instead of Other Star Players
During the second intermission of the game against the Montreal Canadiens, Elliotte Friedman explained why the Toronto Maple Leafs pursued a trade for Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues instead of other big names like Timo Meier.
Kyle Dubas, the Leafs GM, was attracted to the value of acquiring two players with different skill-sets and intangibles that the team was lacking, while retaining more salary than expected through a third party. With the asking price for Meier being too high, Dubas opted for the veterans with playoff experience.
O'Reilly's production has been poor this season, but he provides the Leafs with a dynamic trio of centers and brings the experience of winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019. Acciari is a quality faceoff man who adds depth to the team.
By acquiring these players, Dubas avoided trading away top prospects and picks. The Leafs also had interest in Tyler Bertuzzi, but he was pulled from the trading block due to the Red Wings being in playoff contention.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 19 | 375 ANSWERS Insider reveals why the Leafs Opted for O'Reilly and Acciari Instead of Other Star Players Do you like the trade Kyle Dubas did? | ||
| Yes | 347 | 92.5 % |
| No | 28 | 7.5 % |
| 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")
