O’Reilly played a total of 24 games in Toronto before signing a four-year, $18 million contract with the Nashville Predators in July of 2023.
A few weeks ago, reports from the Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos indicated that former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan O’Reilly was instrumental in urging the Nashville Predators to pursue star winger Mitch Marner amidst his uncertain future in Toronto.
However, Predators general manager Barry Trotz ultimately directed his resources elsewhere, splurging in NHL free agency with the signings of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.
“Prior to the Predators spending a whack of dough on free agents (Steven) Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, ex-Leaf Ryan O’Reilly did his very best to convince GM Barry Trotz to make a push and trade for Mitch Marner,” Kypreos said.
On Monday, O’Reilly spoke about his advocacy to acquire Marner and why the winger is a valuable asset at ‘Smilezone’ – an annual celebrity golf tournament fundraiser in Brampton, Ontario.
“He brings so many things. He’s so competitive, but I think just how elusive he is. With the way he can create plays, and just being off balance, and being able to put these pucks in the right areas. Just such a competitor,” O’Reilly told reporters including TSN’s Mark Masters.
“Getting to play with him in the short time I did, it was just so fun. You see the way he sees the game, at such a unique level.”
O’Reilly, a native of Clinton, Ontario, played a total of 24 games with the Leafs after being traded from the St. Louis Blues along with Noel Acciari in exchange for a package that included a first, second, and third-round pick, along with prospect Mikhail Abramov and forward Adam Gaudette.
Though his time in Toronto was minimal, he played a significant role in the Leafs advancing to the second round for the first time since 2004. He tallied 20 points (7G, 13A) in his tenure in the blue and white.
However, the bright lights are not for everybody. And that played a factor as he departed in July of 2023 to the Predators on a four-year, $18 million contract. Being more “under the radar” and in a low-key domain, was more enticing for the 33-year-old. Though the environment was not for him, O’Reilly recognized Monday that the Leafs organization is unparalleled.
“It’s something so much more than just your average team. This is one of the faces of hockey being here, and even just playing this golf tournament and talking to everyone and the questions they ask about it. Wanting to know what you’re drinking in the room, what was for lunch, and just every little detail about it. You can tell it’s just something so much bigger; it’s the game of hockey in such a special way.”
Despite his brief stint with the Leafs, O'Reilly’s admiration for Marner and his impact on the ice is evident. O'Reilly's appreciation for his game was clear when he advocated for the Predators to pursue the star winger, not denying the report Monday.
Although a member of the Predators, the respect O'Reilly holds for Marner and the Leafs organization underscores the high regard in which he views both – clearly leaving a lasting impression.
