St. Louis Blues Rumor Mill: ROR To Be Shipped Out?

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Post on Feb 07, 2025

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St. Louis Blues Rumor Mill: Is Ryan O'Reilly's Time in St. Louis Over?

The St. Louis Blues' season hasn't gone as planned. While expectations weren't sky-high, the team's struggles have fueled a significant amount of speculation in the hockey rumor mill, with much of the focus centering around veteran center, Ryan O'Reilly (ROR). Could the Blues be preparing to ship out their 2019 Stanley Cup champion captain? Let's dive into the swirling rumors and analyze the possibilities.

The Case for a Ryan O'Reilly Trade

Several factors point towards the possibility of a Ryan O'Reilly trade before the NHL trade deadline.

Underwhelming Performance and Contract Concerns

ROR's point production has dipped this season, falling short of expectations for a player of his caliber. While he still contributes defensively, his offensive output isn't what it once was. Furthermore, his contract carries a significant cap hit, making him a potentially expensive asset for a team struggling to compete. This combination makes him a prime candidate for a trade, allowing the Blues to shed salary and acquire younger assets.

The Blues' Rebuild?

The Blues are clearly in a transition phase. With a younger core starting to emerge, moving a veteran player like O'Reilly could accelerate the rebuilding process. Acquiring draft picks or promising prospects in exchange for ROR could prove invaluable for the Blues' long-term future. Trading him would free up cap space to develop their young talent and potentially make further acquisitions to bolster their prospect pool.

Other Potential Trade Candidates

It's not just ROR's name being mentioned in trade rumors. Players like Vladimir Tarasenko, although recently stating his desire to stay in St. Louis, and even Torey Krug are among others whose futures in St. Louis remain uncertain. The Blues might use O'Reilly's trade value to trigger a larger reshaping of the roster.

The Case Against a Ryan O'Reilly Trade

While the arguments for a trade are compelling, there are reasons why the Blues might choose to keep ROR.

Leadership and Veteran Presence

Despite his decreased point production, O'Reilly provides invaluable leadership and mentorship to the Blues' younger players. His playoff experience and championship pedigree are incredibly valuable assets in a locker room. Losing that veteran presence could have a negative impact on the team's overall development.

Potential for a Second-Half Surge

It's not uncommon for players to experience slow starts. ROR's skill set and hockey sense haven't disappeared. A resurgence in his offensive game is still possible, particularly if the Blues can find some consistency as a team. The trade deadline is a long way away and waiting to see how the season plays out could yield different results.

Trade Value Uncertainties

While his name is attractive, the current return on a Ryan O'Reilly trade is uncertain. Teams interested may not be willing to meet the Blues' asking price. Weighing that uncertainty against the value of his leadership and potential turnaround becomes a significant factor in any decision.

What's Next for ROR and the Blues?

The situation remains fluid. The coming weeks will likely provide greater clarity. Whether ROR stays or goes will depend on several factors, including the Blues' performance, the offers they receive, and their overall assessment of their current direction. One thing's for certain: the St. Louis Blues rumor mill will continue to churn until a decision is made.

Keywords: St. Louis Blues, Ryan O'Reilly, ROR trade rumors, NHL trade deadline, Blues rebuild, hockey rumors, Vladimir Tarasenko, Torey Krug, St. Louis Blues roster, NHL trade speculation, hockey trade rumors 2024.