Rival coach explains why Ryan O'Reilly was the perfect addition for the Maple Leafs
The more I learn about Ryan O'Reilly and his family, the more convinced I am that he was absolutely the right choice for the Maple Leafs and that the team needs to find a way to keep him here beyond this season. From Ryan's last day as a member of the Blues being spent making a sick child's wish come true, to his mother donating a kidney to the local arena manager. Ryan and his family seem to embody everything it means to be Canadian, and everything you want in a member of the Maple Leafs. Not only is he a leader on the ice, he brings a tremendous amount of character to the Leafs' dressing room.
Like so many kids growing up in Ontario, O'Reilly often imagined what it would be like to wear the blue and white on a Saturday night in Toronto. He had almost given up the notion of it ever happening until Friday's blockbuster deal brought him to the centre of the hockey universe. According to Stars head coach and longtime friend of the O'Reilly family Pete DeBoer, the 2019 Conn Smythe winner was born to be a Maple Leaf.
When you are around his family and see the impact they have on everyday life, whether it's raising money mentoring youth or bringing awareness to mental health in small town Ontario, the entire province should be cheering this guy on. - Pete DeBoer
This quote comes from an incredible article written for NHL.com by Mike Zeisburger. It is linked below and I highly recommend reading it if you want to know more about what O'Reilly brings to the Leafs beyond his impact on the ice. His text message to his father about winning a Cup in Toronto just after being traded added to the already existing aura of destiny around the deal. 1967 was a long time ago, with O'Reilly added to an already solid roster, this may just be year the Ballard Curse is finally broken.
https://www.nhl.com/news/ryan-oreilly-eyes-big-things-for-toronto-maple-leafs-after-trade/c-341276950
