Ryan O'Reilly may have just accidentally confirmed the rumour about Mitch Marner
Photo credit: Timothy L. Ludwig - USA Today Sports
Current Nashville Predators forward and former Maple Leaf Ryan O'Reilly may have just confirmed the rumour about trying to recruit Mitch Marner.
Former NHLer turned Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos took to his platform a few weeks ago to talk about O'Reilly's motives in attempting to lure Mitch Marner to the Predators this summer amidst all the rumours and challenges regarding his future in the city of Toronto, as noted in Evan Doerfler's article on The Hockey News.
«Prior to the Predators spending a whack of dough on free agents (Steven) Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, ex-Leaf Ryan O'Reilly did his very best to convince GM Barry Trotz to make a push and trade for Mitch Marner,» Kypreos said."
The Predators had other plans, however, as Barry Trotz decided to spend his money towards bringing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei into the fold. Nevertheless, the former Stanley Cup winner did his best to get into the ear of his GM, which further cements the importance and value that a player like Marner holds.
O'Reilly spoke to the media on Monday during an annual celebrity golf tournament fundraiser in Brampton and was nothing but complimentary about his time playing alongside Marner:
«
"He brings so many things. He's so competitive, but I think just how elusive he is. With the way he can create plays, and just being off balance, and being able to put these pucks in the right areas. Just such a competitor," O'Reilly told reporters including TSN's Mark Masters.
"Getting to play with him in the short time I did, it was just so fun. You see the way he sees the game, at such a unique level."
"Getting to play with him in the short time I did, it was just so fun. You see the way he sees the game, at such a unique level."
Marner's name will remain a constant in trade rumours until season comes to a close or a decision or is made on his future. However, the superstar winger still has a lot of support from his teammates - and ex-teammates - despite how the media has portrayed him recently. Comments like these from a player like O'Reilly should be held in the highest esteem.
Although O'Reilly's time with the Maple Leafs was short, his 24-game stint was packed with a punch. He scored 4 goals and 11 points in 13 regular season games before adding 3 goals and 9 points in 11 post-season games as he played a pivotal role in helping the Maple Leafs advance past the first round since 2003-04.
He played a significant role in their first round series victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning after he tallied 7 points in the first 4 games. His presence, experience, and leadership went a long way and although he walked into free agency before signing in Nashville, the impact of playing in a city like Toronto remains with him to this day:
"It's something so much more than just your average team. This is one of the faces of hockey being here, and even just playing this golf tournament and talking to everyone and the questions they ask about it. Wanting to know what you're drinking in the room, what was for lunch, and just every little detail about it. You can tell it's just something so much bigger; it's the game of hockey in such a special way."
For now, Marner will remain a member of the Maple Leafs but it makes you wonder what could have been had O'Reilly been successful in his attempt to lure the winger to the state of Tennessee. Perhaps it's something to keep an eye on if he decides to walk into free agency at the end of the season, considering the chemistry and relationship that formed between the two players.
Source for Nick Kypreos' column:
This Maple Leafs off-season is off to a nice start. There's a long way to go to conquer the Atlantic
This Maple Leafs off-season is off to a nice start. There's a long way to go to conquer the Atlantic
Source for Ryan O'Reilly's statistics:
Ryan O'Reilly
Ryan O'Reilly
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 420 ANSWERS Ryan O'Reilly may have just accidentally confirmed the rumour about Mitch Marner Would Nashville be a good trader partner for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes, they have a lot of picks and prospects | 142 | 33.8 % |
| No, they don't have many NHL-ready players | 72 | 17.1 % |
| Not for a Marner-type trade | 206 | 49 % |
| List of polls | ||
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