As expected, Toronto Maple Leafs center Ryan O’Reilly did not offer a new contract, who instead agreed to a four-year, $4.5 million annual deal with the Nashville Predators on Saturday.
The former St. Louis Blues captain, with whom he won the 2019 Stanley Cup, arrived in Queen City last spring.
The Lady Byng and Frank-Selke Trophy winner suffered an injury early after arriving in Toronto. However, his impact was felt as he picked up 11 points in 13 regular-season games. O’Reilly played great minutes in the playoffs, picking up nine points in 11 games.
However, due to their complicated relationship with the salary cap, the Leafs have decided to part ways with the 32-year-old hockey player, who was paid $7.5 million last season.
O’Reilly will reach 1,000 games in the National Hockey League in 2023-2024. In 991 games he collected 702 points.
From the deep to the blue line
The Preds’ new general manager, Barry Kross, has been very active in developing the free-agent market by bringing on veteran defense attorney Luke Schenn.
The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract worth a total of $8.25 million. This agreement will net him $2.75 million per season.
The Saskatoon native began his final season with the Vancouver Canucks before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs at last trade. He had 22 points, including four goals in 70 games in the 2022–23 season.