Former Blues Star Named Top Trade Candidate

The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, as it is less than two months away. Due to this, trade speculation around the league is naturally picking up.

NHL insider Chris Johnston released his latest Trade Board for The Athletic. A former St. Louis Blues star made the cut, as Ryan O'Reilly had the No. 3 spot on Johnston's board.

Johnston noted that O'Reilly wants to stay put with the Nashville Predators but that it also "might not ultimately be his call." In addition, Johnston wrote that Predators general manager Barry Trotz "will be forced to make a decision if he gets a strong trade offer" for O'Reilly.

A significant reason why O'Reilly's name has been creating buzz in the rumor mill is because of the Predators' big-time struggles this season. After signing Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault in free agency, the Predators have an 18-22-7 record. Thus, changes could very well be on the way.

While the Predators are having a rough season, O'Reilly is not in the slightest. The former Blues captain is still making a positive impact with Nashville, posting 13 goals, 27 points, and 44 blocks in 44 contests.

Teams looking for help down the middle in their middle six should have a player like O’Reilly on their radar. We will need to wait and see if the former Blues star gets dealt before the deadline passes from here.

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