The consensus is 22 year old center Ryan O’Reilly has played his last game as a Colorado Avalanche as the relationship between O’Reilly and Av’s management is believed to be ruined after numerous low ball offers by the Avalanche brass.
Although no trade is believed to be imminent, the Avalanche have begun shopping O’Reilly to Eastern Conference teams. The early asking price, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger is a roster player and a top prospect.
With the Penguins eyeing a top-6 winger, I asked around yesterday to see if maybe the Penguins were sniffing around on O’Reilly and if evaluators felt O’Reilly had the ability to transition to wing.
The answer has been a resounding no.
I asked three talent evaluators yesterday on whether O’Reilly could be an ideal candidate to transition to wing were a center heavy team interested in him and I got all “No’s” from the three scouts.
One response from a long-time amateur scout who scouted O’Reilly often during his days with the Erie Otters:

“I don’t see it. He’s a pure center and can’t imagine he’d be happy about becoming a winger {wherever he ends up}”
O’Reilly last season had 18 goals and 55 points in 81 games. His camp believes he’s a top-10 centerman in the game and want him to be paid based on last year’s production.

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