Nashville Predators advised to retain Ryan O'Reilly for leadership
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 4:28 AM
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
As the Nashville Predators head into a youth-focused future, retaining veteran Ryan O'Reilly is seen as crucial for mentoring emerging players. O'Reilly, who scored 25 goals and tallied 74 points last season, enters the final year of his contract amid trade speculation. His experience is viewed as essential to guiding younger talents like Jack Drury and Luke Evangelista through the transition. General manager Chris MacFarland might consider trading him later, but keeping O'Reilly for most of the season is preferred for player development.
- •Ryan O'Reilly scored 25 goals and 74 points last season.
- •He is entering the final year of his contract.
- •Nashville is focusing on developing young talent.
- •Jack Drury and Luke Evangelista are key prospects.
- •Handling O'Reilly's potential trade deal later is an option.
- 4:28 AMYahoo Sports — Nashville Would Be Wise To Keep Ryan O'Reilly
"As Nashville pivots toward a youthful future, the veteran’s elite production and professional poise provide the essential leadership needed to insulate the roster’s emerging core stars.
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