Predators set asking price for Canadiens trade target Ryan O’Reilly

The Nashville Predators appear ready to tear down their aging core, which could be great news for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Predators thought they were in win-now mode. They signed Ryan O’Reilly in free agency in 2023 and, in 2024, spent big money to sign Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.

The moves did not work out as they had thought they would, finishing 30th in the NHL last season and getting off to a terrible start this season, sitting in last place.

Predators shifting towards a fire sale

The Predators are ready to make moves, and the Canadiens, who have been looking for a centre, could jump at the chance to acquire O’Reilly.

O’Reilly has been open about the situation in Nashville, saying he has not been good enough this season. After discussing his play this season, he adds that “I’ve had one good year in my career.”

He may be too critical of his game right now, with six goals and 13 points in 22 games, but a fresh start in a new environment might be just what he needs.

The 2019 Stanley Cup champion and former Conn Smythe and Selke trophy winner is exactly what the Canadiens need right now.

Perfect fit for the Canadiens

While not in a playoff spot right now, the Canadiens see themselves as a playoff team, and O’Reilly brings valuable playoff experience to a locker room that, for most, got their first taste of the postseason last year.

In Montreal, he would not be tasked with being a first-line player, but instead could be used as a second or third-line centre, depending on whether the Canadiens are willing to break apart Juraj Slafkovsky, Oliver Kapanen, and Ivan Demidov, who have been playing excellently together since they debuted as a line against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

However, the move makes sense on paper, but the Predators' asking price right now might be too high for the Canadiens.

High asking price

According to Pierre LeBrun, the price to acquire O’Reilly is a first-round pick and an A-level prospect.

A first-round pick will not deter the Canadiens, as O’Reilly would not be a rental since he has another year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $4.5 million.

The A-level prospect is probably where the talks would end, as it is unlikely that the Canadiens would be willing to move Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, or Alexander Zharovsky in order to acquire the 34-year-old centre.

The price may change as we get closer to the trade deadline, but as of right now, it is hard to imagine the Canadiens jumping to acquire O’Reilly at that price.