Maple Leafs Linked to Reunion With $18 Million Forward via Trade ahead of the NHL deadline

Before the NHL deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking into trade options in an effort to increase the depth of their center for a deep postseason run.

A Hockey analyst Mike Johnson believes the team’s best chance is to reunite with former Maple Leafs center Ryan O’Reilly.

Johnson made the case for O’Reilly, who is currently with the Nashville Predators after spending part of the 2022–2023 season in Toronto after being acquired by the Leafs in a trade with the Minnesota Wild, in an interview with TSN Radio 1050’s “First Up” on Thursday.

“We know Ryan O’Reilly works well in Toronto,” Johnson said. “We know that he has the respect of the group. We know that he has a very strong relationship with the coach and the system and has won doing it this way before.

“Despite being a key member of Nashville, O’Reilly, who inked a four-year, $18 million contract with the Predators in the offseason, should continue to be a desirable target for Toronto, according to Johnson.

“He might be my No. 1 choice,” Johnson said. “The way they’re going right now, he would be No. 1 for me, and then probably any more the playoffs would seem really attractive.

“The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner might help the Leafs with their depth at center and secondary scoring needs.

This season, O’Reilly is playing in the Predators’ second forward line, which should make a transition to the second or third line of the Leafs easy for him and elevate the production of the unit.

Johnson added that one of the main factors influencing Toronto’s interest was O’Reilly’s potent offensive contributions.

“The Leafs need offense right now. They can’t go get a defensive or energy player,” Johnson said. “Not only should any trade addition bring good energy and life to the team, but they need to be able to score.

”O’Reilly fits that description.”

The Leafs would have to work around salary cap restrictions in a trade, such as using LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) funds or renegotiating current contracts to make room, because he has two years left on his contract and has a $4.5 million cap hit.

This season, O’Reilly has appeared in 38 games for the Predators, scoring 25 points including 12 goals and 13 assists.