The Colorado Avalanche are shaping up as a powerhouse built for a serious challenge for the Stanley Cup. However, in the fiercely competitive Western Conference of the NHL, resting on your laurels is a recipe for disaster. Even with an incredible start to the season, the team understands that the margin for error shrinks dramatically as the playoffs approach.
Why the Avalanche Need Another Piece
Every top contender searches for that final piece to transform them from a dangerous opponent into an almost unstoppable force. For the Avalanche, that missing piece could very well be a familiar face: center Ryan O'Reilly. The pressure is already mounting, with teams like the Dallas Stars staying hot on their heels despite dealing with injuries. This reality makes adding proven depth, experience, and playoff composure more critical than ever.
Head coach Jared Bednar has expressed a desire for another reliable center, a player who can anchor difficult shifts when the intensity of the postseason reaches its peak. While players like Jack Drury and Ross Colton have contributed, they lack the proven playoff pedigree that O'Reilly possesses. His resume speaks for itself, highlighted by leading the St. Louis Blues to the 2019 Stanley Cup and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
What Ryan O'Reilly Brings to the Table
O'Reilly's potential return to Colorado is a compelling storyline. He was originally drafted by the Avalanche in 2009 and developed into a premier two-way forward before moving on. Now 34, he remains a highly productive and intelligent player, recording 27 points in 33 games this season for the Nashville Predators. His recent frustrations in Nashville only underscore his competitive drive and accountability.
On the ice, O'Reilly offers a complete package that could transform Colorado's championship outlook:
- Elite faceoff skills to gain crucial possession.
- Reliable penalty-killing ability.
- A knack for controlling the game's tempo and winning key battles.
- Leadership and a proven ability to elevate his play under extreme pressure.
A Financially Feasible Championship Move
From a practical standpoint, a trade is a realistic possibility. O'Reilly carries a manageable $4.5 million salary cap hit and does not have a formal no-trade clause. While Nashville GM Barry Trotz would likely consult with the veteran, the fit for Colorado is almost too perfect to ignore. The Avalanche would acquire a player who fills multiple needs, while O'Reilly would get a legitimate shot at another Stanley Cup with the franchise that gave him his start in the NHL.
If the Colorado Avalanche are serious about maximizing their wide-open championship window, pursuing a reunion with Ryan O'Reilly might be the strategic masterstroke that turns a great team into the one every other club fears facing in the playoffs.
