Ryan O’Reilly: the Habs are worried about his lack of speed

At 34, it’s obvious that the center has slowed down. Inevitably, with age, the skating stroke isn’t what it once was… but there are still some figures that suggest the Habs’ fear is slightly exaggerated.

The NHL Edge site, which measures certain data on players (including skating stroke), shows that even if O’Reilly isn’t a gazelle, he’s at least an average skater.

No, he’s not a turtle on the ice.

Of course, it’s possible that the Habs’s standards are simply higher, which would make the Preds ‘ forward really too slow in the Habs’ eyes.

Because it’s true that if you compare O’Reilly to Bo Horvat, who is one of the best skaters in the NHL, the difference is quite striking.

But of course, beyond the skating, the Habs would have to convince O’Reilly to come and play in Montreal. We know the Predators want to respect the forward’s wishes, and if he doesn’t want anything to do with joining the Habs, his lack of speed will become a secondary concern.

To be continued, then, but it’s interesting to see that the Habs seem to want a second center with an excellent skating stroke. And maybe it gives an idea of the kind of player they might be targeting…

Overtime

– Big day in Vancouver: after signing Adam Foote, Tom Willander signs his entry-level contract.

– A giant-sized Brendan Gallagher: the Habs wouldn’t say no.

– Oops.

– There was talent in town.

– It’s (very) far from a done deal.