Revisiting the Blues' Trade for Ryan O'Reilly
The St. Louis Blues acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade that sent ripples through the NHL. The Blues received O'Reilly while the Sabres got Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, a 2019 first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick.
At first glance, the deal appeared heavily in favor of St. Louis. However, over six years later, the trade's impact is more balanced, with various factors influencing the perception of which team benefited more.
Trade Background and Perspectives
Understanding the views of both teams and their fans requires examining the context and details behind the trade.
Ryan O'Reilly's Career Before the Trade
O’Reilly was selected 33rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and quickly became a fan favorite. Concerned about his long-term salary demands, Colorado traded him to Buffalo in exchange for defenseman Nikita Zadorov and forwards Mikhail Grigorenko and J.T. Compher (31st pick in the 2015 draft).
During three seasons with Buffalo, O’Reilly played 224 games, scoring 65 goals and totaling 176 points. He consistently produced over 60 points each season.
“Though he never produced less than 60 points in a single season, a collective record of 93-118-35 over his three seasons in Buffalo left the 27-year-old O’Reilly with a loss of love for the game.”
Trade Outcome and Legacy
- The trade involved multiple components influencing both teams' futures.
- Fan bases from both sides argue over who gained more from the deal.
- The trade played a significant role in the Blues' Stanley Cup victory.
Overall, this trade is remembered as one of the more complex and debated deals in recent NHL history.
“To understand the perception of both teams and why both fan bases believe they may have come out on the better end, a background and perspective needs to be established for each side of the story.”
Author’s summary: Ryan O'Reilly’s trade to the Blues was pivotal, sparking debate over its fairness while ultimately contributing to a Stanley Cup win, reflecting a multifaceted impact on both franchises.