Failed trade exposed that would have gotten Ryan O’Reilly into the postseason!

When things started falling apart in Nashville and the trade deadline was just around the corner, rumours emerged that veteran forward Ryan O’Reilly could be on the move to a contender. He stayed put and has been watching the postseason from his couch, however, reports surfaced that he was almost traded to the New Jersey Devils before March 7.

According to RG.Org’s Jim Biringer, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald attempted to acquire O’Reilly, who lacks a no-trade clause. However, the Predators treated him like he had one and the forward chose to remain in Nashville. This prompted the Predators to set a very high asking price and Fitzgerald didn’t want to pay a premium to get him.

“The Devils were pursuing Ryan O’Reilly, and they did not want to pay a premium to get him,” a source told RG exclusively. “So saying the team came in second was a way to save face for not utilizing the cap space at the deadline.”

“The asking price Nashville wanted from the Devils was Simon Nemec, Dawson Mercer, and a first-round pick.”

There is no doubt that the Devils’ failure to make a significant addition at the trade deadline contributed to their first-round playoff exit. And you have to wonder if O’Reilly regrets staying put in Nashville as he could have been the one to help New Jersey move past the Carolina Hurricanes and into the second round.