The Carolina Hurricanes, after another disappointing playoff run, are looking to retool and address key needs to push for a Stanley Cup in the 2025-26 season. While the team has a strong core of young players like Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis, there are areas where improvement is needed. One potential solution could be acquiring veteran center Ryan O'Reilly from the Nashville Predators.
O'Reilly, 34, is a proven winner with a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy to his name. He also brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities that could benefit a Hurricanes team looking to take the next step. O'Reilly is currently signed with the Predators with a contract that has a $4.5 million cap hit per season, expiring at the end of the 2026-27 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
One of the Hurricanes' primary needs is a reliable second-line center. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was acquired with high expectations, has not lived up to his potential, and the Hurricanes need an upgrade in that position. O'Reilly could fill that role perfectly, providing stability, faceoff prowess, and valuable secondary scoring. In the 2024-25 season, O'Reilly recorded 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points in 79 games.
O'Reilly's contract, with a $4.5 million cap hit, is reasonable for a player of his caliber. This would allow the Hurricanes to address other needs, such as acquiring a scoring winger or a puck-moving right-handed defenseman. The Hurricanes have just under $30 million in cap space to work with, giving them the flexibility to make significant moves.
While O'Reilly is 34 years old, he has shown that he can still play at a high level. His experience and leadership would be invaluable in the playoffs, where the Hurricanes have struggled to get over the hump. O'Reilly helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win their first playoff series in 19 years.
There are a few factors to consider before the Hurricanes pursue a trade for O'Reilly. First, the Predators may be reluctant to trade him, as he has expressed a desire to stay in Nashville and help the team. However, if the Predators are not in contention, they may be willing to move him for the right price. Second, the Predators' asking price for O'Reilly could be high. At the last trade deadline, they were reportedly asking for a package that included a top prospect, an NHL-ready young player, and a high draft pick. The New Jersey Devils, who were interested in O'Reilly, balked at the asking price.
The Hurricanes have solid draft capital, with six first-round picks over the next four years, as well as second-round picks. They also have a strong prospect pool that they could use as part of a trade package. General Manager Eric Tulsky has shown a willingness to make bold moves.
Ultimately, whether the Hurricanes pursue a trade for Ryan O'Reilly will depend on the Predators' asking price and O'Reilly's willingness to waive his no-trade clause, if he has one. However, given the Hurricanes' need for a second-line center and O'Reilly's proven track record, it is a move that makes sense for both sides.
