The St. Louis Blues have every right to think of themselves as a potential playoff team. Currently at 17-16-4, for 38 points, they sit just three points outside of the wild card in the Western Conference. If they should go all-in this season, which was supposed to be claimed as a "re-building" year, should they go after a reunion with their former Captain?
How, why, what would it help?
Bringing back Ryan O'Reilly
There is a keen sense that the Blues, given a great position near the Trade Deadline on March 7, 2025, will be buyers. They have plenty of young talent in the farm system that could be shipped off to some sellers who are willing to part with their older and more experienced stars. One of those stars that should be made available by then, is Nashville Predators centerman Ryan O'Reilly. If memory serves, he used to be the captain of the Blues, and certainly made his mark on the history of this organization.
ROR, for short, has been adequate on a bad team this season. Nashville, who is lobbying for the best available odds in next year's NHL Entry Draft, just got a touchdown scored on them by the Blues on Friday night, 7-4. O'Reilly was a solid player in that game, with an assist and three shots on goal. For the season, he has eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 32 games.
With the rest of this year and next season on his current deal worth $4.5 million, he could be a bargain for a second-line center. It all depends on the looming arrival of prospect Dalibor Dvorksy, and it seems like it is rapidly approaching with his current showing in the World Juniors. That would shake up the current line-combos down the middle.
O'Reilly could be the missing link. Pairing him on the second line with Max Holloway and Jordan Kyrou would move down current captain Brayden Schenn to the third line with Zach Bolduc and Brandon Saad. That can be a formula for a playoff berth and, more importantly, a playoff run. But what would it take to bring him back to the 'Lou?
The Predators are not going anywhere fast, despite all of the promising acquisitions made this offseason. They have Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault, among other top-talent. That includes former Vezina Trophy nominee, Jusse Sarros. They just cant make it work yet. AS they are in a deeper rebuild then the Blues are, they are going to likely want draft picks and prospects. With the Blues having nine players in the World Junior Championships at the moment, pick your poison.
Obviously, besides Dvorksy, and likely Adam Jiricek, Juraj Pekarcik and Theo Lindstein. Another name that may be saved for the Blues future is Colin Ralph, but he could also be the sweetener to bring ROR back to St. Louis.
Do you think that the Blues should explore a trade to bring Ryan O'Reilly back to St. Louis?