LeBrun's source: "For sure" Sabres interested in O'Reilly

Pierre LeBrun was on Ottawa’s TSN 1200 on Monday afternoon.

As part of a discussion on Bob McKenzie’s article regarding a potential Ryan O’Reilly trade, and a connection to the Buffalo Sabres and Tyler Myers:

“I can tell you this. For sure, according to a source, the Sabres have interest. As they should. He would be a great young leader for this rebuilding team.

“But having said that, there’s so many variables here. No. 1 is Patrick Roy. He loves Ryan O’Reilly. So don’t discount that factor.

“But, on the other hand, and I think the Avalanche have found this out the hard way again this year, they really are devoid of enough pieces on defense to be true contenders. They really have to shore up their defensive issues. They’re loaded up front. And the reason why he could be a chip is that he’s the guy who has a year and a half left on his deal before becoming UFA.

“And I truly feel that they feel burdened by how they got nothing in return for Paul Stastny. I think the Avs don’t want to let that happen again - for a young forward, in the prime of his career, to walk out the door and get nothing in return.

“So I think there’s so many things at play here. But as Bob pointed out in his blog, it doesn’t have to be decided now. There’s a year and a half left on his deal, so a lot of this could be decided this summer. One year out. Not necessarily before March 2.

“But on the other hand, if the right team makes this deal involving a top-end defenseman, it might be the type of deal that helps Colorado make the playoffs.

“So my sense is this: I don’t think Colorado has phoned around the league and offered this guy to everyone. I don’t think that’s the case at all. I think they really like the guy. But I think they’ve obviously made it known to a few select teams - and some of that is because those teams have phoned them, not the other way around - that maybe there’s something worth listening to here.”

Source: TSN 1200/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey

Nichols on Hockey

Nichols on Hockey

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Nichols on Hockey

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