The Colorado Avalanche might want to trade Ryan O'Reilly sooner rather than later.
The Avalanche have already file for club-elected salary arbitration with O'Reilly in the hopes of forcing him to take less than the $6.5 million contract he would have gotten had Colorado qualified him instead. Coming off a 28-goal, 64-point season, O'Reilly might counter by signing another offer sheet with another club. That would put the Avalanche in a position where they would either have to match the deal or accept draft picks in return for the 23-year-old forward. Given that those draft picks won't be particularly appealing if O'Reilly signs with a good team, it's probable that Colorado will match the deal, but that would put them in a position where they won't be able to trade him for a calender year. O'Reilly's window to sign an offer sheet is from July 1-5, so this could play out very quickly.

Per Roto World
- SABRES 89

Ryan O’Reilly‘s agent, Pat Morris, this afternoon on Sportsnet 590 The FAN radio in Toronto.

In case you couldn’t tell, it was a strong message to the Avalanche that the team is playing a dangerous game, and risks losing the 23-year-old forward for nothing in a couple of years.

“We’re now preparing for an arbitration case that we didn’t think we’d have to attend to,” said Morris. “And at the same time, as of the 25th of June, people can entertain talking to [restricted free agents], and he’s an RFA effectively until July 5th, at which time period then it’s just an arbitration case beyond that.”

If it does go to arbitration, O’Reilly could pick a one-year or two-year award. Or, he could sign an offer sheet between July 1-5.

“We had some warning that the [arbitration option] might be a situation that they take advantage of,” said Morris. “It’s within the CBA. Ryan understands that. He also understands that it’s unique – no player (in the new CBA) has been [taken to arbitration] for a pay-cut that is of his stature.”

All of which is why, unless a long-term deal is signed soon, you can expect to hear O’Reilly’s name in trade speculation. Remember that things got ugly between him and the Avs the last time they tried to work out a deal, and while RFA negotiations can often be tough, they don’t seem to be headed in the right direction, once again.



Sign Stastny and trade O'Reilly for help on blue line?

Ryan O’Reilly‘s agent, Pat Morris, this afternoon on Sportsnet 590 The FAN radio in Toronto.

In case you couldn’t tell, it was a strong message to the Avalanche that the team is playing a dangerous game, and risks losing the 23-year-old forward for nothing in a couple of years.

“We’re now preparing for an arbitration case that we didn’t think we’d have to attend to,” said Morris. “And at the same time, as of the 25th of June, people can entertain talking to
- Irish 14[restricted free agents], and he’s an RFA effectively until July 5th, at which time period then it’s just an arbitration case beyond that.”

If it does go to arbitration, O’Reilly could pick a one-year or two-year award. Or, he could sign an offer sheet between July 1-5.

“We had some warning that the [arbitration option] might be a situation that they take advantage of,” said Morris. “It’s within the CBA. Ryan understands that. He also understands that it’s unique – no player (in the new CBA) has been [taken to arbitration] for a pay-cut that is of his stature.”

All of which is why, unless a long-term deal is signed soon, you can expect to hear O’Reilly’s name in trade speculation. Remember that things got ugly between him and the Avs the last time they tried to work out a deal, and while RFA negotiations can often be tough, they don’t seem to be headed in the right direction, once again.



Sign Stastny and trade O'Reilly for help on blue line?

Little chink in the 'no way Col trades RoR' feeling out there.

My personal opinion on RoR. I like him and think he is a great player who can help a team win a few cups. With that being said I think buffalo is in a position where we don't have to pick him up. All the pressure is on Colorado to move him or sign him or whatever with him. I think we are great trading partners with them bcz we suck, are in the east and could give them Erhoff and either one of our 2nd round picks or a prospect. Do it only if the deal is favorable to us. We have no pressure to do anything.

I don't know how good of an idea that would be, might not sit well with some. It's not a for sure thing just what was talked about.
- SABRES 89

PM pls

Little chink in the 'no way Col trades RoR' feeling out there.
- Otsegolectric

No chink at all . Colorado has done their due diligence so he does not have to be moved . He is not being moved ! First the Stastny contract gets done as he is a UFA then they have more time to do O'Reilly contact as he is an RFA. They are way under the cap. Money is not an issue . They are not breaking up the band yet . They are preparing for a long healthy run as a cup contender for many seasons to come.

Buffalo cannot not afford to tender an offer sheet is it will destroy any rebuilding plan and condemn us to another decade of mediocrity . Timing is all wrong for Buffalo . A team who is already a contender is more likely as the loss of draft picks is not near as destructive to them.

The Predators are open to trading their first-round pick in the NHL Draft in exchange for a “top six” forward, general manager David Poile said today.

Poile indicated the crop of unrestricted free agents this offseason is less than stellar…and there are not many such players who could jump in and help the Predators immediately.

The Preds have the 11th overall pick in the draft. They also have a new coach in Peter Laviolette, who was hired in part because he likes to play a more offensive style.

NBC

The Predators are open to trading their first-round pick in the NHL Draft in exchange for a “top six” forward, general manager David Poile said today.

Poile indicated the crop of unrestricted free agents this offseason is less than stellar…and there are not many such players who could jump in and help the Predators immediately.

The Preds have the 11th overall pick in the draft. They also have a new coach in Peter Laviolette, who was hired in part because he likes to play a more offensive style.

NBC
- Irish 14

So.... Stewart to NSH, then?

Little chink in the 'no way Col trades RoR' feeling out there.
- Otsegolectric

Agent is a piece of work, always trying to get max deals for his clients (its his job so he should). He destroyed the leafs since he represents Dion, Clarkson, Bozak, and Kessel.

He goes on the radio and starts whining, sees his client as 6.5m man, yet he represents Kane, Stamkos, and Eberle. Does he think ROR is better than them and deserves better contracts that they do? Complaining he has to prepare for a case? How bout negotiate the contract and stop pouting the Avs exercised a business right they had.

Morris seems to have a vendetta with the Avs or something, doesn't seem smart as a Agent to start pissing off a team. When you have guys like Jamie Benn making 5.25m, Tavares making 5.5m, Seguin making 5.5m. Im sure most team would take J Benn 10 times out of 10 over ROR.

Part of me just wants to get rid of ROR bc of his Agent and psycho life dad coach always popping up in the media. Let the kid play hockey

So.... Stewart to NSH, then?
- grand-magus

Doubtful, not too many teams high on him and certainly not for the 11th pick. Bet they could find someone with less attitude/work ethic issues to help them.

Also doesn't help them that Stewart is a UFA next year.

I should be in NY from July 3rd - 8th... I'll bring the h@#kers and b&*w.
- jochfr

June 27- July 5 for me

The Predators are open to trading their first-round pick in the NHL Draft in exchange for a “top six” forward, general manager David Poile said today.

Poile indicated the crop of unrestricted free agents this offseason is less than stellar…and there are not many such players who could jump in and help the Predators immediately.

The Preds have the 11th overall pick in the draft. They also have a new coach in Peter Laviolette, who was hired in part because he likes to play a more offensive style.

NBC
- Irish 14

have fun in Nashville Stewart

Doubtful, not too many teams high on him and certainly not for the 11th pick. Bet they could find someone with less attitude/work ethic issues to help them.

Also doesn't help them that Stewart is a UFA next year.
- Sabresfan-365

@coreypronman: In English, 13th ovr worth either an abv-avg NHLer with a year or so left until FA, or a couple of average pieces.

Stewart seems to fit in that mold, tho i still have some hope ror him. If nothing else motivated thru deadline and valuable asset to trade

have fun in Nashville Stewart
- GERBE!!!75PTS

I would like to continue the streak of 2 first round picks

The Predators are open to trading their first-round pick in the NHL Draft in exchange for a “top six” forward, general manager David Poile said today.

Poile indicated the crop of unrestricted free agents this offseason is less than stellar…and there are not many such players who could jump in and help the Predators immediately.

The Preds have the 11th overall pick in the draft. They also have a new coach in Peter Laviolette, who was hired in part because he likes to play a more offensive style.

NBC
- Irish 14

what's goin on Irish long time no talk.

@coreypronman: In English, 13th ovr worth either an abv-avg NHLer with a year or so left until FA, or a couple of average pieces.

Stewart seems to fit in that mold, tho i still have some hope ror him. If nothing else motivated thru deadline and valuable asset to trade
- Otsegolectric

Biggest difference being that Stewart has the extra baggage. U-25 power forwards don't end up on 3 different teams in as many years unless something off the ice is seriously wrong.

have fun in Nashville Stewart
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Biggest difference being that Stewart has the extra baggage. U-25 power forwards don't end up on 3 different teams in as many years unless something off the ice is seriously wrong.
- Sabresfan-365

and yet people want Kane

Biggest difference being that Stewart has the extra baggage. U-25 power forwards don't end up on 3 different teams in as many years unless something off the ice is seriously wrong.
- Sabresfan-365

Stafford + 31 for NSH 1st draft Sonny Milano

and yet people want Kane
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Not really the same though. Even with the attitude Kane's talent far exceeds that of Stewarts.

I wouldn't overpay for him but I'd definitely be interested, too much talent there.

Stafford + 31 for NSH 1st draft Sonny Milano
- OneKaneOneCup

Would you trade the 11th pick in the draft for a 2nd rounder and winger who is a shell of his former self?

Stafford hasn't been "an above average forward" in years. Nashville won't go anywhere near that.

Buff News says Leino on waivers, buyout imminent.

Would you trade the 11th pick in the draft for a 2nd rounder and winger who is a shell of his former self?

Stafford hasn't been "an above average forward" in years. Nashville won't go anywhere near that.
- Sabresfan-365

No I wouldn't.

But it's not gonna surprise me when Stafford has a really good season this year

No I wouldn't.

But it's not gonna surprise me when Stafford has a really good season this year
- OneKaneOneCup

If, I know it's his contract year but not everyone manages to take advantage of that.

If, I know it's his contract year but not everyone manages to take advantage of that.
- Sabresfan-365

Stafford has in the past. I'm pretty sure Murray is gonna hold onto both him and Stafford until the deadline, or at least he should.

Stafford + 31 for NSH 1st draft Sonny Milano
- OneKaneOneCup

Skoozy.

Ba-bupa-boopy.