Report: Predators not shopping O'Reilly but listening to offers

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz isn't hanging up the phone when teams call about Ryan O'Reilly.

The club isn't actively shopping the veteran center, but it is listening to proposals, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

O'Reilly is under contract for two more seasons after 2024-25 with a $4.5-million cap hit. His contract doesn't contain any no-trade protection.

The Predators enter Thursday 30th in the NHL standings, but they're hoping to be back in the postseason next year, so trading O'Reilly for draft picks is unlikely, LeBrun notes. Their only notable pending free agent is winger Gustav Nyquist.

Centers appear to be in high demand as the 2025 deadline approaches. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils are among the teams searching for help down the middle of the ice.

O'Reilly has recorded 13 goals and 13 assists in 40 games this season. He put together a tremendous year in 2023-24, racking up 69 points - the second most of his career - in 82 contests.

The 33-year-old boasts an impressive playoff resume, winning the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues. He also won the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward that campaign. In total, he's amassed 67 points in 81 career playoff games.

Nashville's center depth would take a hit if the team dealt O'Reilly. The Preds' other center options include Steven Stamkos - who played primarily at wing his last few seasons in Tampa Bay - Tommy Novak, Colton Sissons, Fedor Svechkov, Mark Jankowski, and Michael McCarron.