Revisiting the Blues' Trade for Ryan O'Reilly

The St. Louis Blues acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade that shook the NHL. The deal sent O'Reilly to St. Louis in exchange for Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

At first glance, the trade appeared heavily in favor of the Blues. However, over six years later, the impact of the trade reveals a more balanced outcome, influenced by multiple factors affecting both teams.

Trade Background and Perspectives

To fully grasp why fans from both sides feel their team benefited, it's important to understand the context behind the trade. Ryan O'Reilly was selected 33rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and quickly became a fan favorite. Concerns about his potential long-term contract costs led to his trade to Buffalo in exchange for defenseman Nikita Zadorov, and forwards Mikhail Grigorenko and J.T. Compher in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

O'Reilly's Performance with the Sabres

During his three seasons with Buffalo, O’Reilly played 224 games, scoring 65 goals and totaling 176 points. He never scored fewer than 60 points in a single season. However, the Sabres’ collective record of 93-118-35 over those years contributed to O'Reilly losing some passion for the game.

"Though he never produced less than 60 points in a single season, a collective record of 93-118-35 over his three seasons in Buffalo left the 27-year-old O’Reilly with a loss of love for the game."

Legacy of the Trade

While the trade initially seemed one-sided, ongoing developments and player contributions have shifted perceptions. Fans of both teams see value in what they received, reflecting the complexity of NHL trades and team-building strategies.

Author's Summary: The Ryan O'Reilly trade illustrates how NHL deals can reveal their true impact only years later, balancing initial impressions with long-term results for both franchises.

The Hockey Writers — 2025-11-02