I laugh at the people who think he's overrated.
- Nucker101

he's an absolutely fantastic hockey player.

Well, you dodged my question as well.

In the last full NHL season, only 41 wingers had more than 55 points.

In the full season before that, only 33 wingers had more than 55 points.

His defensive play??
Youre kidding right. ROR's defensive play is what sets him apart from others. The guy gets no penalties, very few giveaways and is among the best in takeaways every year. He drives possession.

So again, I ask, whats the requirement to be considered a first liner?
- eddieavs

ONLY? 41 wingers is a pretty big number, and that number could easily be more when you factor in injuries.

as i said before, he is a GREAT 2nd line C. he will thrive in that role, but it is laughable to call him a 1st line winger.

why are you asking me for the requirements? can you not tell the difference between an actual 1st liner and someone who couldnt beat out stastny and duchene for the center spot so he has to play wing?

too many blockheads.

no point

he's an absolutely fantastic hockey player.
- hugefemale dog77

I think he's an excellent hockey player. I think there are 30 teams that would take him on their team in a heart beat.

I just don't see him worth more than lets say a Max Paccioretty who just resigned for 4.5mil annually.

He's going to be asking for 6mil +. Qualifying offer would be 6.5mil.

Taylor Hall signed for 6mil annualy. He is no Taylor Hall.

If he signed for 5mil cap hit then I see him worth his salary.

ONLY? 41 wingers is a pretty big number, and that number could easily be more when you factor in injuries.

as i said before, he is a GREAT 2nd line C. he will thrive in that role, but it is laughable to call him a 1st line winger.

why are you asking me for the requirements? can you not tell the difference between an actual 1st liner and someone who couldnt beat out stastny and duchene for the center spot so he has to play wing?
- sensnucksnocups

41 wingers is a lot? Every team has to have 2 wingers on a first line. Theres 60 wingers in the NHL who play on the first line.

Id be interested to know how many teams have 2 wingers who get more than 55 points every year.

He couldnt beat them out?

What are you talking about? Hes playing wing because his abilities allow the transition easier. Do you really need to be explained why Stastny isnt a good winger? Do we really need to replay Duchene's experiment at wing where he was atrocious.

ROR was the most versatile player among the avs centers. Thats why hes on the wing.

Like I said, a 55point winger is still a first liner in the NHL. Not among the best, but definitely among the average.

I think he's an excellent hockey player. I think there are 30 teams that would take him on their team in a heart beat.

I just don't see him worth more than lets say a Max Paccioretty who just resigned for 4.5mil annually.

He's going to be asking for 6mil +. Qualifying offer would be 6.5mil.

Taylor Hall just signed for 6mil annualy. He is no Taylor Hall.

If he signed for 5mil cap hit then I see him worth his salary.
- l3ig_l2ecl

Hall has 2 whole goals over RoR right now.. And he's -13.

Yeah, who wouldn't want that on their team? RoR is 22.

You people act like he's almost 30 or something. Jesus.

And Duchene is tied with Kessel in pts right now having played FIVE fewer games.

Obviously Kessel isn't a first liner if he can't outscore a dude who sat for 5 games.

41 wingers is a lot? Every team has to have 2 wingers on a first line. Theres 60 wingers in the NHL who play on the first line.

Id be interested to know how many teams have 2 wingers who get more than 55 points every year.

He couldnt beat them out?

What are you talking about? Hes playing wing because his abilities allow the transition easier. Do you really need to be explained why Stastny isnt a good winger? Do we really need to replay Duchene's experiment at wing where he was atrocious.

ROR was the most versatile player among the avs centers. Thats why hes on the wing.

Like I said, a 55point winger is still a first liner in the NHL. Not among the best, but definitely among the average.
- eddieavs

ahahah now it all makes sense. you actually think every team has two first line wingers.

since you enjoy asking questions so much, let me ask one. who are nashville's two 1st line wingers? feel free to take your time, do your research. horqnvist? he has like what, 20 points? he wouldnt even be a 1st line winger on the avs. so many teams are lacking 1st line wingers, just because you play in the 1st line spot doesnt mean you are a 1st liner. if it was that easy then the leafs center problem would be solved since they can just plug in bozak or anyone else. nice try though, i'm sure you thought you felt smart when you were pulling out all those stats, but unfortunately like many other people have figured out when trying to argue with me, you are wrong.

well, that must have been the easiest argument i've ever won. i cant believe someone would actually think oreilly is a 1st line winger "because he got 55 points and that's better than some teams 1st line wingers" ahahahah

Hall has 2 whole goals over RoR right now.. And he's -13.

Yeah, who wouldn't want that on their team? RoR is 22.

You people act like he's almost 30 or something. Jesus.

And Duchene is tied with Kessel in pts right now having played FIVE fewer games.

Obviously Kessel isn't a first liner if he can't outscore a dude who sat for 5 games.
- DutchCanSaveUs

So you're saying O'Reilly > Hall.

Gotcha. I guess I was just confused...

We don't act like he's 30. We don't say he's not a good player. We simply say he's not worth more than what other players his Age are getting paid.

Just because you don't like it, it doesn't mean you can't understand it.

At first I thought you were HIGH ....



Then you confirmed it for me
- .HOHO.

Well done....very very well done.

Although he's not saying ROR for Erhoff...so there's that.

ahahah now it all makes sense. you actually think every team has two first line wingers.

since you enjoy asking questions so much, let me ask one. who are nashville's two 1st line wingers? feel free to take your time, do your research. horqnvist? he has like what, 20 points? he wouldnt even be a 1st line winger on the avs.

well, that must have been the easiest argument i've ever won. i cant believe someone would actually think oreilly is a 1st line winger "because he got 55 points and that's better than some teams 1st line wingers" ahahahah
- sensnucksnocups

Yeah...

What a waste of time this was.

You havent won anything.

Being a first liner, is relative to every team. Theres no rule. Theres no requirement. Theres no statistical number that defines what is a first liner or not.

Everyone's definition of a first line, first line center, #1 dman is different. Theres no set definition.

ROR's play, on the defensive side and offensive side is enough for me to warrant him as an adequate first liner. What he may lack in offense, he makes up for it in defense. Your definition can be what it wants.

If you want to think that theres only a handful of first line wingers in this league, by all means, go for it.

I tend to look at what actually exists in the league rather than some arbitrary figure that you choose, constantly, not define.

ahahah now it all makes sense. you actually think every team has two first line wingers.

since you enjoy asking questions so much, let me ask one. who are nashville's two 1st line wingers? feel free to take your time, do your research. horqnvist? he has like what, 20 points? he wouldnt even be a 1st line winger on the avs. so many teams are lacking 1st line wingers, just because you play in the 1st line spot doesnt mean you are a 1st liner. if it was that easy then the leafs center problem would be solved since they can just plug in bozak or anyone else. nice try though, i'm sure you thought you felt smart when you were pulling out all those stats, but unfortunately like many other people have figured out when trying to argue with me, you are wrong.

well, that must have been the easiest argument i've ever won. i cant believe someone would actually think oreilly is a 1st line winger "because he got 55 points and that's better than some teams 1st line wingers" ahahahah
- sensnucksnocups

okay, wouldn't it also logically follow, by that train of thought, that some teams have 3 or 4 first line wingers? and to take that a step further, if first line wingers were spread out exactly evenly, then every team would have 2, right? Therefore, 60 first line wingers makes sense, no? Even if some have less and some have more.

Yeah...

What a waste of time this was.

You havent won anything.

Being a first liner, is relative to every team. Theres no rule. Theres no requirement. Theres no statistical number that defines what is a first liner or not.

Everyone's definition of a first line, first line center, #1 dman is different. Theres no set definition.

ROR's play, on the defensive side and offensive side is enough for me to warrant him as an adequate first liner. What he may lack in offense, he makes up for it in defense. Your definition can be what it wants.

If you want to think that theres only a handful of first line wingers in this league, by all means, go for it.

I tend to look at what actually exists in the league rather than some arbitrary figure that you choose, constantly, not define.
- eddieavs

and that's the thing.... even if his stats call him an average first line winger, his two way ability actually makes him a pretty solid one.

Yeah...

What a waste of time this was.

You havent won anything.

Being a first liner, is relative to every team. Theres no rule. Theres no requirement. Theres no statistical number that defines what is a first liner or not.

Everyone's definition of a first line, first line center, #1 dman is different. Theres no set definition.

ROR's play, on the defensive side and offensive side is enough for me to warrant him as an adequate first liner. What he may lack in offense, he makes up for it in defense. Your definition can be what it wants.

If you want to think that theres only a handful of first line wingers in this league, by all means, go for it.

I tend to look at what actually exists in the league rather than some arbitrary figure that you choose, constantly, not define.
- eddieavs

yes, that are only certain amount of first line wingers in this league. just because there are 30 teams does not mean there are 60 1st line wingers, even a kid can understand that.

not sure why i'm bothering to explain this, but pretend for a moment that the nhl expanded and a new team was allowed to fill it's roster with players from the current free agency list. does that mean this team suddenly has two 1st line wingers? clearly not, stop trying to win this arguement, YOU HAVE CLEARLY LOST. he is a great 2nd line C. there is nothing wrong with that, just move on because you are only making your self look dumber. ask Vantel what happened when he tried to argue with me about luongo.

okay, wouldn't it also logically follow, by that train of thought, that some teams have 3 or 4 first line wingers? and to take that a step further, if first line wingers were spread out exactly evenly, then every team would have 2, right? Therefore, 60 first line wingers makes sense, no? Even if some have less and some have more.
- prock

The best is, im not even advocating that there are 60 very good 1st line wingers.

A 1st line winger can have varying degrees of quality.

ROR is an average 1st liner. Not among the best, and not among the worst...

when you consider his entire contribution to a game, offensively and defensively.

yes, that are only certain amount of first line wingers in this league. just because there are 30 teams does not mean there are 60 1st line wingers, even a kid can understand that.

not sure why i'm bothering to explain this, but pretend for a moment that the nhl expanded and a new team was allowed to fill it's roster with players from the current free agency list. does that mean this team suddenly has two 1st line wingers? clearly not, stop trying to win this arguement, YOU HAVE CLEARLY LOST. he is a great 2nd line C. there is nothing wrong with that, just move on because you are only making your self look dumber. ask Vantel what happened when he tried to argue with me about luongo.
- sensnucksnocups

I really have zero interest in what you and Vantel ever discussed about Luongo.

I never said that there are 60 first liners in the league. I said that there are 60 players in the league who play on the wing on the first line.

Some, really only play there because they have to, and there are no other options.

ROR is playing 1st line, on a team thats doing very well, and in a playoff spot. His offensive numbers are acceptable, and his two way play is exceptional.

Considering his entire effect on a game, hes a first liner in my opinion.

And at this point, I really am starting to care less and less about what your definition of a first line winger is. You can create any arbitrary line you want, it isnt going to change mine.

The best is, im not even advocating that there are 60 very good 1st line wingers.

A 1st line winger can have varying degrees of quality.

ROR is an average 1st liner. Not among the best, and not among the worst...

when you consider his entire contribution to a game, offensively and defensively.
- eddieavs

He's pretty good, not great. Above average I'd say though. Average offensively, above average defensively. Not among the best, no. But at 22, I'll take that all day, every day. Particularly with a guy that can handle himself quite well physically.

As a centre, you hope for more. As a winger, it's pretty damn good.

Considering the recent bad blood between the B's and Sabres, the fact the B's would only need a rental, Erhoff is signed long term and the depth they're currently enjoying at the position I'm not so sure about that one.

and that's the thing.... even if his stats call him an average first line winger, his two way ability actually makes him a pretty solid one.
- prock

Thanks prock.

Its refreshing to read logical responses.

He's pretty good, not great. Above average I'd say though. Average offensively, above average defensively. Not among the best, no. But at 22, I'll take that all day, every day. Particularly with a guy that can handle himself quite well physically.

As a centre, you hope for more. As a winger, it's pretty damn good.
- prock

I dont understand why this is so difficult to understand

OReilly for Gardiner, Clarkson and a first round? Hahaha. I don't know how much Leafs think they can afford, but if they pay clarkson 6MM$ then Oreilly should be paid 8MM$. I doubt thats a wise move for both clubs.

He's pretty good, not great. Above average I'd say though. Average offensively, above average defensively. Not among the best, no. But at 22, I'll take that all day, every day. Particularly with a guy that can handle himself quite well physically.

As a centre, you hope for more. As a winger, it's pretty damn good.
- prock

This, and I think everyone can agree.

The question remains. What is he worth?

Lot of really good, thoughtful comments.

Generally, it appears that many people believe that O'Reilly has developed his game along a similar standard to Patrice Bergeron. That is a pretty good catch for any team. And, he might even prove out to have more offensive upside than the Boston center.

Thanks prock.

Its refreshing to read logical responses.
- eddieavs

I'm with you guys on this.

People think in order to be a first liner they have to be an offensive machine aiming to be as much like Crosby and Ovechkin as possible.

Someone like JVR is a good 1st liner because he's a talented SOB who can carry the puck in, make a pass and get in front of the net to bury a garbage goal off a rebound.

Is he an offensive machine, nope, sure isn't. His best offensive season will probably be 75 points some year if he's lucky...but realistically he's a 60 point guy in all likeliness by the time his full potential is reached.

I'd say O'Reilly is a perfect 2nd line centre and if moved to the wing; would be a very strong and capable 1st line winger on many teams.

Not an upgrade on Bozak? Bozak plays on a great line, definitely helps him.

ROR would make a big impact as he provides ANOTHER centre. If Bozak is still the best fit for the top line then ROR makes the 2nd line very strong. A lot remains to be seen with Kadri.
- SolidGoldBricks

so does that mean Bolland is out?

This, and I think everyone can agree.

The question remains. What is he worth?
- l3ig_l2ecl

I guess thats relative to the team that gets him.

I would be sure that Edmonton and Toronto would gladly pay him 6M because of his style of play.

A team like Chicago, most definitely would not.

The bigger the need, the more valuable he is to you.