Former NHLer explains the worst case scenario for the Leafs in the O'Reilly deal
Since being acquired by the Leafs on Friday night, Ryan O'Reilly has become the center of attention for Toronto sports media as they attempt to dissect the trade from every possible angle and do their best to find something wrong with the deal. Yesterday on "Real Kyper and Bourne" on Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne shared their thoughts on the acquisition of O'Reilly.
Kypreos was asked if he liked the trade, to which he responded by saying, "Compared to what they had it was a must. It was very expensive. They had to do something. They're better for it. It is not enough (imitating a cough)." Kypreos also went on to say that he can't believe the Leafs prioritized two forwards over a defenseman.
Did the Leafs give up a lot to get O'Reilly and Noel Acciari? Absolutely - but the trade upgraded their forward group immensely. Not only that, but Kyle Dubas has said he is still looking to make a move or two if the opportunity is there.
Kypreos was also asked if the Leafs are closer to beating Tampa now than before the trade, which he hesitantly answered and really didn't answer. All Kypreos said in response to that question was, "Worst case scenario, this is Nick Foligno 2.0."
O'Reilly did miss 6 weeks recently with a broken foot, but has not looked out of place in the four games he has played since his return. Not only that, but O'Reilly had missed just 3 games since the 2017-2018 season until his foot injury this year, so to call him Nick Foligno 2.0 is a bit of a stretch. There's no question though.. if O'Reilly suffers an injury at the end of the season or in the first round of the playoffs and then walks away as a UFA and doesn't re-up with the Leafs, 4 draft picks, a prospect and a depth player is one heck of a price to pay for a limited number of games.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 21 | 107 ANSWERS Former NHLer explains the worst case scenario for the Leafs in the O'Reilly deal Are you at all concerned that Ryan O'Reilly could end up being Nick Foligno 2.0, just like Kypreos alluded to? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 35.5 % |
| No, not at all | 69 | 64.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
