The Nashville Predators remain committed to Ryan O’Reilly despite rising trade speculation ahead of the March 7 deadline and the franchise’s ongoing struggles.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Friday that the Predators “are not actively shopping” the veteran center, aligning with previous comments from general manager Barry Trotz about the team’s long-term vision.
“I inquired into the Ryan O’Reilly situation Thursday just for clarity because the next seven weeks may start to get a little goofy with trade speculation and there’s no doubt he would be at the top of the list for teams needing a center upgrade—if he’s available,” LeBrun wrote. “First, the Nashville Predators are not actively shopping the 33-year-old center, who has two and a half years left on his contract at a $4.5 million cap hit…