Sheldon Keefe reveals what he believes is Ryan O'Reilly's best asset
Playoffs playoffs playoffs. It's all Leafs Nation can think about right now. After 6 straight years of bowing out in the first round, the last 5 being winner take all games, the Leafs season success will hinge on playoff success and nothing else. To that end, Kyle Dubas' trade deadline was completely geared towards players that play the style of hockey required to win that crucial 7th game and beyond. The crown jewel of that deadline? 2019 Conn Smythe trophy winner and captain of the St Louis Blues, Ryan O'Reilly.
O'Reilly impressed out of the gate by rushing himself and Noel Acciari, who was also part of the trade, out of St. Louis, breaking into the arena with a borrowed key to pick up their gear so the pair could join the Leafs as soon as possible. After an injury to his finger, he's impressed Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe with his work ethic and his insistence on spending as much time on the ice as possible while rehabbing. According to Keefe, O'Reilly doesn't need to ramp things up for the playoffs, he's already there.
Given the current state of affairs in Toronto, O'Reilly was the perfect addition to the team. Unlike the seasoned vets brought in in years past, he's still in his prime years, albeit nearing the end of them. With O'Reilly, it's not only his mentality and locker room presence that will help the Leafs, his on ice play will be enough to have an impact on its own. I truly believe the Leafs are ready to make a real run in the playoffs this year. If they do, you can bet your bottom dollar that Ryan O'Reilly will be a driving force behind the team's success.
