Blues ship captain Ryan O'Reilly to Toronto as fire sale continues
Eight days after trading franchise legend Vladimir Tarasenko to the New York Rangers, the St. Louis Blues made another big trade.
This time moving Ryan O'Reilly to the Maple Leafs in a three-team trade also involving the Minnesota Wild.
With O'Reilly in the last year of his contract and the Blues struggling to stay in the playoff picture, it made sense to find a trade for him. Allowing him a chance to compete in the playoffs, while getting something in return was a win-win for both parties.
Traded to the Blues in 2018, O'Reilly had his best season as a professional in his first year in St. Louis, scoring 28 goals and adding 49 assists.
He was an All-Star and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward in the NHL during the regular season. During the Blues' magical playoff run to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, O'Reilly was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
O'Reilly missed 14 games this season with a broken foot and just returned to the Blues lineup. In his three games back from injury, he has provided a point in each game with two goals and one assist.
Off to Toronto, O'Reilly will be joining a high-powered offense averaging 3.7 goals per game.
With superstar Auston Matthews and All-Star Mitch Marner as new teammates, O'Reilly should have plenty of opportunities to make an impact as the Maple Leafs prepare for a playoff run.
While there is still a possibility of O'Reilly returning in the offseason as a free agent, he will always be a team legend for his five seasons for the Blues.
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