Ryan O'Reilly hints at future with Blues

To say that things have not gone well this season for the St. Louis Blues would be a major understatement. As it currently stands, they're dead last in the NHL's Central Division with a 3-8-0 record, leading to rampant speculation that the remaining core of the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning roster could soon be broken up for an inevitable rebuilding process. 

Franchise anchors Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O'Reilly are both set to become unrestricted free agents at season's end, and could be dangled at the NHL Trade Deadline for considerable returns. Tarasenko has already requested to be moved out of town once before rescinding it, and it certainly wouldn't be surprising to see the two sides part ways before too long. Meanwhile, O'Reilly has already lambasted his own personal performance this season that saw him get off to the worst statistical start of his career to a campaign. 

“It will happen when it happens," O'Reilly explained of a potential parting of the ways. "I don’t need it done by this point. I’ve got so much else to focus on with this group and our team, I like diving into that and just really controlling what I can control. The day-to-day stuff and eventually the contract will take care of itself.

“I don’t really see myself somewhere else. This is where I want to be. I love this group and we have a chance to win here, so I don’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon.”

O'Reilly, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the 2019 postseason, talked about why he's a good fit with his current situation: 

“I’m an established player and I feel comfortable in this situation, knowing that I can just focus on the hockey and when it comes time to get something done, we’ll get something done,” said O’Reilly. “Being competitive each year is something that’s very fun and you like being around. Anytime you’re with a group like this that had that identity, still has it and has such a balanced team and balanced roster, there are so many vital pieces here to win, to be able to dive into a role and be able to contribute in that way and be a part of it, it’s exciting.

“When you finally get a taste of winning, you’re constantly chasing it again. It’s something you don’t want to lose. It’s an amazing organization and culture to be around.”