Maple Leafs get rejected by one of their top targets and former player!
Toronto now has to shift plans with hours left to make a move… Full story down below:
The Toronto Maple Leafs might have targeted Ryan O’Reilly from Nashville with hours left on deadline day, but according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the veteran forward has rejected the idea.
“Even though he doesn’t have a no-move clause, the Predators are treating it like he does. They won’t trade him unless it’s a big offer and unless he agrees to it. I think Toronto looked into O’Reilly and I think they were told he didn’t have an interest in that reunion.”
At the 2023 trade deadline, the Maple Leafs acquired th former Conn Smythe Trophy-winning forward from the St. Louis Blues to add valuable championship experience to the roster.
Now in Nashville with two additional years at a $4.5-million cap hit, O’Reilly is reportedly not interested in going back to Toronto.
While the Predators entered the year with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, they have struggled too much this season to make that happen, but that does not seem to have an impact on O’Reilly’s decision to reject a move to Toronto. Despite the Leafs in playoff position and looking for a long run.
O’Reilly has put 16 goals and 23 assists in 58 games this season. The Preds have been active on the trade market these past weeks, but don’t be surprised if O’Reilly stays put.
