Multiple reports have surfaced indicating that several Montreal Canadiens players have expressed interest in the team acquiring Ryan O’Reilly over the summer. O’Reilly eventually decided to sign with the Nashville Predators, the Habs’ desire to play for him, if true, reflecting the players mentality and eagerness to keep the rebuilding window as narrow as possible, though O’Reilly may not. The ideal signing would be during a transitional period.
Blaine Potvin hockey book Highlighting the situation, Elliott Friedman’s list of frontrunners for O’Reilly’s services included Toronto, Detroit, Montreal, Nashville and Vancouver. The revelation that Montreal is in talks with the quarterback came as a surprise. Jeff Marek further explained that some of Canada’s players asked general manager Kent Hughes to pursue O’Reilly. However, he was unable to find a way to advance for his players.
O’Reilly, being an older player with his best years behind him, makes sense for Nashville as a character with Barry Trotz at the helm and trying to remake the team’s reputation as someone unstable at the idea of living in Nashville and competing every year. Toronto wanted to keep him as well, but GM Brad Treleving mentioned that playing in your hometown could be a thing for the players. St. Louis was open to bringing him back, but it appears that ship has sailed. Montreal? It’s an interesting choice, but perhaps not terribly surprising considering the rumors of their interest in him date back to 2018.
Are Canadians closer than we think?
If the Canadiens want O’Reilly to produce on the ice and be a mentor and guide to the young talent emerging through the Habs system, the fact that Hughes was willing to consider players’ input and attempts to meet their demands matters. It signifies the trust and value placed on their opinions. Also, the fact that he did not overpay indicates self-control or a willingness to deviate from long-term plans.
It’s clear the players want to be better now, and Hughes is open to making that happen. However, he is not willing to sacrifice the long-term goals of the organization just to make a splash. As Canadians continue their journey, their commitment to short-term success and long-term sustainability remains at the forefront of their decision-making.
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