Ryan O'Reilly discusses What Wearing the Maple Leafs Jersey Really Meant to Him
PUBLICATION
S. Harper
June 7, 2023 (9:50 PM)
Kyle Dubas, the former General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, executed what is arguably the season's most surprising trade, acquiring Ryan O'Reilly ahead of the NHL's trade deadline. The aim was to bolster the Leafs' chances for a deep playoff run.
O'Reilly Became An Instant Favorite in Leafs Nation
Regrettably, the Leafs and O'Reilly did not progress as far into the playoffs as they had hoped. However, the shortfall was not due to a lack of effort, particularly from O'Reilly, who was arguably the best Leafs forward during the playoffs.
O'Reilly is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) this summer but has expressed his desire to return to Leafs Nation. During an appearance on TSN's OverDrive, O'Reilly shared his experience of being a Leaf.
"It's More Then Just A Game Here"
"It's more than just a game here. It's really something above and beyond. It was like playing for the New York Yankees. It was so special, I wish every guy in the League could experience that."
O'Reilly's tenure in Toronto has undoubtedly left a lasting impression. Fans are hopeful that the new General Manager, Brad Treliving, can negotiate O'Reilly's return. However, even if that doesn't transpire, the time watching O'Reilly as a Maple Leaf was certainly memorable.
POLL |
Should The Leafs Bring Back Ryan O'Reilly? |
Yes | 28 | 66.7 % |
No | 14 | 33.3 % |
List of polls |
|
10 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube's Fiery Words to his Team Leaked By William Nylander After Embarrassing Loss |
|
12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Former Leafs Defenseman Eyes NHL Comeback After Long-Term Injury, per Elliotte Friedman |
|
13 hours ago | By Austin Kelly Former Leafs Player's Surprise Healthy Scratch Sparks Controversy |
|
16 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube Makes Immediate Lineup Changes in Response to Auston Matthews' Injury |
|
17 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Breaking Down the Exact Moment Auston Matthews Re-aggravated His Injury |
|
19 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Insider Nick Kypreos Reports Matt Murray Rejected Multiple NHL Offers to Stay With the Maple Leafs |
|
20 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Devastating News for Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews |
|
21 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Brad Treliving Makes Urgent Move Involving Matt Murray During NHL Roster Freeze |
Previously on HockeyPatrol