Center Ryan O’Reilly should be back in action for the Toronto Maple Leafs in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas confirmed.
The veteran was one of the prized additions of the trade window, but broke his finger and was ruled out for four weeks just eight games into his Maple Leafs career.
Despite the injury, O’Reilly should contribute to a strong Toronto spine including reigning Hart Trophy winner Auston Matthews and captain John Tavares as the team embarks on its playoff journey.
A former Conn Smythe winner with the St. Louis Blues, O’Reilly has suffered through a snakebit 2022-23 campaign. After a bizarre cold streak during which O’Reilly collected just a single point over his first 10 games, the 32-year-old broke his foot and missed six weeks from January into February.
Despite his bad luck, O’Reilly remained a coveted asset at the trade deadline thanks to his leadership, Selke-winning defense, and expiring contract. The struggling Blues traded their former captain to Toronto on Feb. 17 for a hefty return.
O’Reilly has 15 goals and 24 points in 48 games this year. Since his trade to the Maple Leafs, the center has three goals and five points in eight games.
Dubas and Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe will be happy to have O’Reilly back in the lineup for a likely first-round matchup with the vaunted forward group of the Tampa Bay Lightning. As it stands, the Leafs would have home ice in that showdown.
The Maple Leafs have struggled defensively in O’Reilly’s absence and have given up at least three goals in each game since his injury. They will seek to change that when they return to action against the Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night.
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