Dreger thinks Jets "expressed interest in Ryan O'Reilly early on"

Darren Dreger was on Winnipeg’s TSN 1290 on Wednesday afternoon.

On Adrian Dater suggestion that the Winnipeg Jets are a consideration for the Colorado Avalanche if they move Ryan O’Reilly, and if there is any way a deal like that could happen:

“I think it’s tough, to be honest. I agree with Dater to a point. I think that Winnipeg was one of the teams that expressed interest in Ryan O’Reilly early on. And I mean early in the season. Maybe even during the off-season.

“But what are the assets you’re going to have to give up to acquire that player? And there’s some financial consideration here. And the eventuality that unless something changes, Ryan O’Reilly is going to be an unrestricted free agent in what, 18 months? So you’re not going to clear your cupboard to bring in a real key piece if that piece isn’t going to hang in there and you’re not going to have the luxury of term by signing him to an extension. So there are more question marks for me than there is the fit.

“And what do you have to give up to get him? Want to speculate, ‘Oh, Evander Kane might have to be part of that deal.’

“Okay. Really? Well, for as many flaws or warts as that Evander Kane may have, I can tell you how he’s viewed in Winnipeg by many, and how he’s viewed around the National Hockey League - and that’s as close to a pure power forward as there is. This is a guy that plays hurt. Plays tough. Generates offence. And is a very good hockey player and an important piece for the Winnipeg Jets.

“So I like the speculation. It’s fun to talk about. But I just don’t know that there’s a perfect fit there.”

On how a sign and trade situation, like in the NBA or MLB, Kevin Cheveldayoff would have to have to if he were going to make a trade for O’Reilly:

“Right. But what’s he going to pay him? Is it going to be $6.5-7 million per? Ryan O’Reilly is represented by Pat Morris of Newport Sports and last time I checked, Pat didn’t lose too many deals.

“When Ryan O’Reilly becomes an unrestricted free agent, he’s going to be a coveted hockey player. Everybody knows that. So to avoid that scenario, then you’re going to have to pay that premium up front to take him out of that unrestricted free agent market. And that’s not going to come cheap.”

Source: TSN 1290/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey

Nichols on Hockey

Nichols on Hockey

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