Value of: ROR to the Leafs at the deadline.

[Gary Nylund]

You are massively underrating Ryan O'Rielly and I am not a fan of the blues. But these posts are ridiculous.

Feel free to elaborate, I'm listening.

Not saying the Leafs are going to overpay for O'Reilly, but I actually do see the Leafs going all in on one or more rentals to be honest. Dubas is under an enormous pressure to get a good result in the playoffs and another first round exit will probably be his end as Leafs GM.

Also Matthews and Nylander are going to be UFA after next season, so if they want to resign them, they will have even bigger capissues than they have right now. Their window to win the Stanley cup could very well be either this or next season. They might HAVE to go all in.

All in is a term that doesn't make any sense here. It comes from poker where you can bet all your chips, that's not what happens in hockey.

The Leafs don't HAVE to do anything. Some people were saying the same thing last season and it didn't happen then either. I would be surprised if the Leafs didn't pick up any rental players at all, they will likely do something but I think there's a good chance they grab second tier assets instead and keep their top prospects and 1st round picks.

I also think some people are being way too optimistic as far as what they might get back for ROR. The market determines the price and the problem is that there are a number of quality forwards rumored to be available and many of the buyers have already spent a lot on rentals in pervious years, I don't believe many of them even have this years 1st round pick left and some have already spent next years pick as well. Bottom line - there just aren't enough 1st round picks to go around and some sellers will end up disappointed.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Feel free to elaborate, I'm listening.

All in is a term that doesn't make any sense here. It comes from poker where you can bet all your chips, that's not what happens in hockey.

The Leafs don't HAVE to do anything. Some people were saying the same thing last season and it didn't happen then either. I would be surprised if the Leafs didn't pick up any rental players at all, they will likely do something but I think there's a good chance they grab second tier assets instead and keep their top prospects and 1st round picks.

I also think some people are being way too optimistic as far as what they might get back for ROR. The market determines the price and the problem is that there are a number of quality forwards rumored to be available and many of the buyers have already spent a lot on rentals in pervious years, I don't believe many of them even have this years 1st round pick left and some have already spent next years pick as well. Bottom line - there just aren't enough 1st round picks to go around and some sellers will end up disappointed.

If the Leafs do nothing or make meh moves and it results in another 1st round exit, your management is gone and your fan base asks... Why didn't we make moves when we could?

I heard the Sellers will be disappointed last year too. This is what fans on buyer teams want and will focus on that narrative. Reality

Leafs are going to make moves. I would not bet against that.

 

[Gary Nylund]

If the Leafs do nothing or make meh moves and it results in another 1st round exit, your management is gone and your fan base asks... Why didn't we make moves when we could?

I heard the Sellers will be disappointed last year too. This is what fans on buyer teams want and will focus on that narrative. Reality

Leafs are going to make moves. I would not bet against that.

There are arguments to be made for both sides and it's been argued to death in many threads. It could go either way, we'll just have to wait and see.

I wouldn't generalize on the bolded - fans of all teams have varying opinions on what should be done.

The Leafs will probably make a move or two, I think almost everyone agrees on that.

 

[Habs Halifax]

There are arguments to be made for both sides and it's been argued to death in many threads. It could go either way, we'll just have to wait and see.

I wouldn't generalize on the bolded - fans of all teams have varying opinions on what should be done.

The Leafs will probably make a move or two, I think almost everyone agrees on that.

Supply/Demand is a huge factor and it's different between D, C, and W. And also Goalies. If there are 4+ teams in on ROR, the price increases. Reality.

The other angle is if the player has a NMC or NTC. That can change or alter the supply/demand.

 

[bleedblue1223]

And just to emphasize, the argument put forward was that O'Reilly has been on a steadily decline for the past 4-5 years, which is just an insane take. You can certainly make an argument that there are signs of a decline this season. You could probably argue small signs last season, but his numbers were still in line with his career production, still had Selke metrics, and he was arguably the best player in the playoffs for us, he was still absolutely a #1 center.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Supply/Demand is a huge factor and it's different between D, C, and W. And also Goalies. If there are 4+ teams in on ROR, the price increases. Reality.

The other angle is if the player has a NMC or NTC. That can change or alter the supply/demand.

Here's some more reality: in addition to ROR and Tarasenko, there's players like Kane, Toews, Horvat, Bertuzzi, Kuzmenko and Meier who are also pending UFA's and likely available. That's quite a bit of supply right there, even if I haven't missed anyone which I probably have. There are also a lot more forwards available who aren't quite as good but will also cost a lot less so again, there's a lot of supply out there so hold out for too high a price and you might end up with nothing.

And just to emphasize, the argument put forward was that O'Reilly has been on a steadily decline for the past 4-5 years, which is just an insane take. You can certainly make an argument that there are signs of a decline this season. You could probably argue small signs last season, but his numbers were still in line with his career production, still had Selke metrics, and he was arguably the best player in the playoffs for us, he was still absolutely a #1 center.

Someone earlier argued that ROR's low production this season doesn't matter so much because the entire team sucks so you need to look at his production in the context of the team. But when it was pointed out that last season, he went from being a top 2 scorer on STL (which he had been for the previous 3 years) to tied for 6th on his own team, the response was - why are you looking at his standing on his own team, you should be looking at raw point production. You can't have it both ways, that makes no sense.

In any case, whether he's been declining for 4-5 years or 4-5 months doesn't really matter, all that matters is his value today and it seems pretty clear that he's not the player he once was. No need to take that as an insult, it's not that at all. He's still very good and even with so many good forwards available, IMHO he'll still get you a 1st+ in a trade but he's at the age when players often start to decline sharply, his production this season suggests that this might be the case with him so there is a fair bit of risk involved here and expecting him to be what he was even in the last playoffs would be a mistake. I mean it's not impossible that he again puts up PPG in the playoffs, but the odds against it seems pretty high.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Here's some more reality: in addition to ROR and Tarasenko, there's players like Kane, Toews, Horvat, Bertuzzi, Kuzmenko and Meier who are also pending UFA's and likely available. That's quite a bit of supply right there, even if I haven't missed anyone which I probably have. There are also a lot more forwards available who aren't quite as good but will also cost a lot less so again, there's a lot of supply out there so hold out for too high a price and you might end up with nothing.


Someone earlier argued that ROR's low production this season doesn't matter so much because the entire team sucks so you need to look at his production in the context of the team. But when it was pointed out that last season, he went from being a top 2 scorer on STL (which he had been for the previous 3 years) to tied for 6th on his own team, the response was - why are you looking at his standing on his own team, you should be looking at raw point production. You can't have it both ways, that makes no sense.

In any case, whether he's been declining for 4-5 years or 4-5 months doesn't really matter, all that matters is his value today and it seems pretty clear that he's not the player he once was. No need to take that as an insult, it's not that at all. He's still very good and even with so many good forwards available, IMHO he'll still get you a 1st+ in a trade but he's at the age when players often start to decline sharply, his production this season suggests that this might be the case with him so there is a fair bit of risk involved here and expecting him to be what he was even in the last playoffs would be a mistake. I mean it's not impossible that he again puts up PPG in the playoffs, but the odds against it seems pretty high.

Don't group wingers with centers. Centers and D will be targeted more and a star like P Kane on wing. Remember, teams are looking for different pieces.

There are going to be about 10 teams who are after improvements and each of those 10 teams are likely to be after 2 moves. Not just one.

It hasn't been a buyers trade deadline market for a while now. The other angle is cap space and teams who have players on an attractive cap hit (even after 50% retention) have leverage. I said this with Chiarot last year... $1.75M after retention and prorated. All teams can fit that in which helps the seller narrative.

 

[Reality Czech]

If the Leafs do nothing or make meh moves and it results in another 1st round exit, your management is gone and your fan base asks... Why didn't we make moves when we could?

I heard the Sellers will be disappointed last year too. This is what fans on buyer teams want and will focus on that narrative. Reality

Leafs are going to make moves. I would not bet against that.

I agree with you, but if they keep rolling along like they have been then it would make sense to make lesser moves rather than a big splash. A big trade could disrupt the chemistry, but we will have to see where they are at come deadline time. I'd imagine that heads will roll whether or not they make big or small moves if they don't make a deep run this year. But ROR would make a lot of sense for them, as he would for nearly every contending team.

I honestly don't think the Leafs are that far off. Sometimes the biggest challenge a team faces is the first round. If they had gotten past the Lightning last year, I wouldn't have been surprised to see them make it to the Finals (though I wouldn't have bet on them against Colorado). The tough part will be getting that first round monkey off their back, and if they can do that the momentum could carry them a long way.

One last note on ROR, since he arrived in STL he was counted on to be both the #1 offensive and defensive center but with the emergence of Thomas he is in more of a strictly defensive role. I'm not sure how that factors into his numbers, but we should consider not only ROR's "decline" but also the emergence of Thomas that has made us rely on ROR's offense less.

 

[PocketNines]

Someone earlier argued that ROR's low production this season doesn't matter so much because the entire team sucks so you need to look at his production in the context of the team. But when it was pointed out that last season, he went from being a top 2 scorer on STL (which he had been for the previous 3 years) to tied for 6th on his own team, the response was - why are you looking at his standing on his own team, you should be looking at raw point production. You can't have it both ways, that makes no sense.

I pointed out that you need to look at his usage in context of the team. I said that he is getting the heaviest and most grinding usage and I suggested you should be more thinking along the lines of why they cannot use other players in the grinding role they use ROR. If it were a case of ROR alone declining then you'd expect other players, especially younger players who are building into their prime, to be able to be trusted in those situations. So why is ROR still getting that usage? It's because – and I know this because I watch every Blues game – the other players are not good enough at hockey to bear the load. You give Thomas the minutes ROR is getting and he would crumble. Is that a problem? Yes. There is nobody filling in behind the "declining" ROR to take the load. They replaced Perron with something called a Josh Leivo, so yeah, he has fewer points. And bleedblue is right that the 4-5 year declining argument you made cost your argument a ton of credibility.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Broken foot and to be re-evaluated in 6 weeks. That's basically 2 weeks before the deadline. What happens if he don't play any games from now till deadline? Price is lowered but there may be still some teams who knock on the door. Problem is even at 50% retention, that chews up a lot of the buyers cap space for a player that may or may not play again this season.

This is not good news for the Blues.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I agree with you, but if they keep rolling along like they have been then it would make sense to make lesser moves rather than a big splash. A big trade could disrupt the chemistry, but we will have to see where they are at come deadline time. I'd imagine that heads will roll whether or not they make big or small moves if they don't make a deep run this year. But ROR would make a lot of sense for them, as he would for nearly every contending team.

I honestly don't think the Leafs are that far off. Sometimes the biggest challenge a team faces is the first round. If they had gotten past the Lightning last year, I wouldn't have been surprised to see them make it to the Finals (though I wouldn't have bet on them against Colorado). The tough part will be getting that first round monkey off their back, and if they can do that the momentum could carry them a long way.

One last note on ROR, since he arrived in STL he was counted on to be both the #1 offensive and defensive center but with the emergence of Thomas he is in more of a strictly defensive role. I'm not sure how that factors into his numbers, but we should consider not only ROR's "decline" but also the emergence of Thomas that has made us rely on ROR's offense less.

All of this makes sense, to me anyway. Interesting point about Thomas, that supports the argument that even though ROR isn't what he once was, he's still better than his numbers this season would indicate. I agree ROR makes a lot of sense for the Leafs but I hate rentals in principle and parting with this years 1st is not something I'm in favour of, tempting as it may be. And just a 1st probably won't be enough to get it done so I think I'd just pass and let other teams bid against each other.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I pointed out that you need to look at his usage in context of the team. I said that he is getting the heaviest and most grinding usage and I suggested you should be more thinking along the lines of why they cannot use other players in the grinding role they use ROR. If it were a case of ROR alone declining then you'd expect other players, especially younger players who are building into their prime, to be able to be trusted in those situations. So why is ROR still getting that usage? It's because – and I know this because I watch every Blues game – the other players are not good enough at hockey to bear the load. You give Thomas the minutes ROR is getting and he would crumble. Is that a problem? Yes. There is nobody filling in behind the "declining" ROR to take the load. They replaced Perron with something called a Josh Leivo, so yeah, he has fewer points. And bleedblue is right that the 4-5 year declining argument you made cost your argument a ton of credibility.

He's always been getting this "grinding usage" though hasn't he? Sounds like you're saying he's still in a similar role because STL had nobody else to take his place, they're not good enough etc. But why would they want someone else to take over for him in the first place? Because he's not the player he once was which is what I've been saying all along.

So ROR is still in the same role, he's playing a bit less minutes and his production is way down this season. This fits with what he is, an older player who is slowing down, can't produce the way he once did and can't handle the load that he once could. Still a very good player though which is why I think he's likely to fetch a 1st+ in a TDL deal, assuming he comes back healthy. And unless you're one of those dreamers who thinks you can get Knies + a 1st for him, I'm guessing we're more less on the same page. A 1st, and a lesser prospect or a lesser pick as a sweetener, that's what I predict he'll fetch. Is that a lot different from what you're saying?

 

[PocketNines]

He's always been getting this "grinding usage" though hasn't he? Sounds like you're saying he's still in a similar role because STL had nobody else to take his place, they're not good enough etc. But why would they want someone else to take over for him in the first place? Because he's not the player he once was which is what I've been saying all along.

So ROR is still in the same role, he's playing a bit less minutes and his production is way down this season. This fits with what he is, an older player who is slowing down, can't produce the way he once did and can't handle the load that he once could. Still a very good player though which is why I think he's likely to fetch a 1st+ in a TDL deal, assuming he comes back healthy. And unless you're one of those dreamers who thinks you can get Knies + a 1st for him, I'm guessing we're more less on the same page. A 1st, and a lesser prospect or a lesser pick as a sweetener, that's what I predict he'll fetch. Is that a lot different from what you're saying?

You have been saying this all along, but we are helping you mitigate this opinion by realizing that if it were ROR as the real outlier here, he would be moved out of these responsibilities out of a recognition that he in fact is no longer the player he has been. We are saying, ROR is not the outlier. We are saying, there are about a dozen other players whose game has regressed from last year, and with ROR in the gauntlet position he is bearing the brunt of what is team-wide systemic failure. No doubt, he is off to a comparatively lousy start and all of us know this. But it's clearly a situation where many factors are in play beyond a simpler story that it's about him rapidly declining at 31 when he was NHL-elite at 30.

Blues fans are not invested as much in "ROR is still the player that ROR was at his peak" as we are in "ROR will fetch a normal deadline price of a 1st+." You've definitely said he'll get a 1st+ so I don't understand the passion for using this season to say he is now a fundamentally different player than last year. That's how we are hearing your argument. He is not a fundamentally different player. If he'll fetch the normal price, and you agree with that, what is the use of the whole argument that he's a different player now?

 

[Gary Nylund]

You have been saying this all along, but we are helping you mitigate this opinion by realizing that if it were ROR as the real outlier here, he would be moved out of these responsibilities out of a recognition that he in fact is no longer the player he has been. We are saying, ROR is not the outlier. We are saying, there are about a dozen other players whose game has regressed from last year, and with ROR in the gauntlet position he is bearing the brunt of what is team-wide systemic failure. No doubt, he is off to a comparatively lousy start and all of us know this. But it's clearly a situation where many factors are in play beyond a simpler story that it's about him rapidly declining at 31 when he was NHL-elite at 30.

Blues fans are not invested as much in "ROR is still the player that ROR was at his peak" as we are in "ROR will fetch a normal deadline price of a 1st+." You've definitely said he'll get a 1st+ so I don't understand the passion for using this season to say he is now a fundamentally different player than last year. That's how we are hearing your argument. He is not a fundamentally different player. If he'll fetch the normal price, and you agree with that, what is the use of the whole argument that he's a different player now?

What I got from what you said was that he WOULD be moved out of those responsibilities if you had someone to take his place. But since you don't have anyone, you're stuck with the less than ideal situation you are in now with him still having those responsibilities. Forgive me if I've misunderstood but isn't that what you were saying?

I'm not saying he's "fundamentally different", I'm saying he's gone down a notch from what he was a couple of years ago is all. As in he'll probably fetch something like a 1st+ but less than he would if he was still playing at the level he was at a couple of years ago. Like someone earlier was saying Knies + a 1st, that's the kind of price that may have been justified a few years ago but that's no longer the case.

So are we agreed then? ROR is worth maybe a 1st plus something else, maybe a second tier prospect or maybe a 4th or even a 3rd but something like a 1st + two 2nd's or a 1st plus a top prospect is asking for too much.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Supply/Demand is a huge factor and it's different between D, C, and W. And also Goalies. If there are 4+ teams in on ROR, the price increases. Reality.

The other angle is if the player has a NMC or NTC. That can change or alter the supply/demand.

There's more high end rentals available this year than there are contenders with 2023 1sts, cap space, and prospect pools that haven't been gutted recently. We're basically bidding against the Canes and maybe Boston if they're willing to trade one of their 2 good prospects to give Bergeron one last run. Colorado needs more of an offensive 2C like Horvat or someone with term, NJ is probably looking at a big winger like Meier if they shoot their shot.

Pretty much everyone else already shot their shot last year and doesn't have many futures to work with or doesn't have a glaring need for ROR, and that was before the injury.

 

[Habs Halifax]

There's more high end rentals available this year than there are contenders with 2023 1sts, cap space, and prospect pools that haven't been gutted recently. We're basically bidding against the Canes and maybe Boston if they're willing to trade one of their 2 good prospects to give Bergeron one last run. Colorado needs more of an offensive 2C like Horvat or someone with term, NJ is probably looking at a big winger like Meier if they shoot their shot.

Pretty much everyone else already shot their shot last year and doesn't have many futures to work with or doesn't have a glaring need for ROR, and that was before the injury.

I heard that same thing or narrative last season. Some fans were serious about it too.

Sorry but we don't know if it's a buyers or sellers market. You're not going to convince me one way or another. There will be some GM's that won't budge on high prices though but then there are other GM's who take the chance. It's too difficult to nail down as fans.

 

[PocketNines]

What I got from what you said was that he WOULD be moved out of those responsibilities if you had someone to take his place. But since you don't have anyone, you're stuck with the less than ideal situation you are in now with him still having those responsibilities. Forgive me if I've misunderstood but isn't that what you were saying?

I'm not saying he's "fundamentally different", I'm saying he's gone down a notch from what he was a couple of years ago is all. As in he'll probably fetch something like a 1st+ but less than he would if he was still playing at the level he was at a couple of years ago. Like someone earlier was saying Knies + a 1st, that's the kind of price that may have been justified a few years ago but that's no longer the case.

So are we agreed then? ROR is worth maybe a 1st plus something else, maybe a second tier prospect or maybe a 4th or even a 3rd but something like a 1st + two 2nd's or a 1st plus a top prospect is asking for too much.

ROR is off to a bad start to the season, but this happens to players. A lot of times in hockey when a key player is slumping there are other players stepping up. That's not happening in STL, and as a result even though ROR isn't scoring at the rate he was, Blues coaches are looking at other Blues performances and not finding anyone capable of doing better than a slow starting ROR.

When you are watching tonight, take note of Thomas defensively. He is not going to shut any serious opposing center down. He can maybe outscore them if his passes are dialed in but he forces a lot of bad passes for turnovers as well. Lots of careless drop passing. The Blues can't seriously consider asking Thomas to do what ROR does. It's a major problem for the Blues' future.

From the beginning of this thread I've been very clear that a 1st+Knies would top anyone's offer and also that I don't think he will get that kind of +. But the surrounding contract details (retention, lack of trade protection, ability to take salary back) are very favorable. So with the market still sorting itself, we are just thinking about what the + is, and which playoff-bound buyer will give the most +.

 

[Mike Liut]

ROR will be fully healthy for the playoffs. This set back probably lowered his value to just a 1st rounder, with no added prospect to the deal. That’s a steal for somebody.

 

[Gary Nylund]

There's more high end rentals available this year than there are contenders with 2023 1sts, cap space, and prospect pools that haven't been gutted recently. We're basically bidding against the Canes and maybe Boston if they're willing to trade one of their 2 good prospects to give Bergeron one last run. Colorado needs more of an offensive 2C like Horvat or someone with term, NJ is probably looking at a big winger like Meier if they shoot their shot.

Pretty much everyone else already shot their shot last year and doesn't have many futures to work with or doesn't have a glaring need for ROR, and that was before the injury.

If there is one team that has reason to make a big move at the TDL, I'd say it's Boston. I don't like rentals in principle but the one time it makes sense is when your core is nearing the end, your window is closing but at the same time, you are still one of the best teams in the league. That describes Boston perfectly, I don't know what their wish list is and how near the top ROR might be on that list but I'd be shocked if they don't give up some future for the present before the TDL has passed.

And that's also why I think it makes no sense for the Leafs to give up much in the way of futures. They're in that second tier of contenders this season, BOS will almost certainly make a move so even if the Leafs add, they will be dogs against them so they should just keep building. Start by beating TB this season, give it all they got against Boston in the 2nd round and that's where their journey will likely end, with or without adding ROR or whoever else. Even if they get past Boston, Carolina might be next and then Colorado, last I looked those are the top 3 cup favorites so while they could beat any of these teams in a series, the odds of the Leafs beating all of them and winning the cup realistically isn't great. That's OK though, they should be back even stronger still next season and they should be a top contender for years to come, no reason to blow their brains out now in some desperation move.

ROR is off to a bad start to the season, but this happens to players. A lot of times in hockey when a key player is slumping there are other players stepping up. That's not happening in STL, and as a result even though ROR isn't scoring at the rate he was, Blues coaches are looking at other Blues performances and not finding anyone capable of doing better than a slow starting ROR.

When you are watching tonight, take note of Thomas defensively. He is not going to shut any serious opposing center down. He can maybe outscore them if his passes are dialed in but he forces a lot of bad passes for turnovers as well. Lots of careless drop passing. The Blues can't seriously consider asking Thomas to do what ROR does. It's a major problem for the Blues' future.

From the beginning of this thread I've been very clear that a 1st+Knies would top anyone's offer and also that I don't think he will get that kind of +. But the surrounding contract details (retention, lack of trade protection, ability to take salary back) are very favorable. So with the market still sorting itself, we are just thinking about what the + is, and which playoff-bound buyer will give the most +.

I guess you can never be quite sure when a player like ROR is off to a bad start whether it's a sign of further decline, or will he bounce back in a big way. In any case it sounds like we're on the same page, either way you'll get a 1st for him and probably something on top of that and then he'll be a UFA and who knows where he'll end up after that. I suppose he'll want to sign with a contender but who knows, maybe he'll want to come back STL for all I know.

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

I'd still pay a 1st if hes cleared before the deadline. Adding ROR to the Leafs 3rd line would give Toronto the best center depth in the NHL.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Broken foot and to be re-evaluated in 6 weeks. That's basically 2 weeks before the deadline. What happens if he don't play any games from now till deadline? Price is lowered but there may be still some teams who knock on the door. Problem is even at 50% retention, that chews up a lot of the buyers cap space for a player that may or may not play again this season.

This is not good news for the Blues.

I think that would certainly have SOME impact on what he gets back, but as long as ROR is back for game 1 of the playoffs that's what is important.

Teams like Toronto at 23-8-6, or Boston at 28-4-2 don't need ROR for a single regular season game. It would be nice, it would be preferred but It's not required, if a team like Toronto, or Boston, or somehow Tampa were to pick him up they would be doing it strictly for the playoffs so as long as he's back by game 1 of the playoff he has value, probably not as much but he has value.

 

[PocketNines]

ROR will be fully healthy for the playoffs. This set back probably lowered his value to just a 1st rounder, with no added prospect to the deal. That’s a steal for somebody.

I don't agree it works like that. Teams aren't going to be worried about that injury going forward.

You drop your asking price very quickly, same with Tarasenko.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Broken foot and to be re-evaluated in 6 weeks. That's basically 2 weeks before the deadline. What happens if he don't play any games from now till deadline? Price is lowered but there may be still some teams who knock on the door. Problem is even at 50% retention, that chews up a lot of the buyers cap space for a player that may or may not play again this season.

This is not good news for the Blues.

I think that would certainly have SOME impact on what he gets back, but as long as ROR is back for game 1 of the playoffs that's what is important.

Teams like Toronto at 23-8-6, or Boston at 28-4-2 don't need ROR for a single regular season game. It would be nice, it would be preferred but It's not required, if a team like Toronto, or Boston, or somehow Tampa were to pick him up they would be doing it strictly for the playoffs so as long as he's back by game 1 of the playoff he has value, probably not as much but he has value.

I'd still pay a 1st if hes cleared before the deadline. Adding ROR to the Leafs 3rd line would give Toronto the best center depth in the NHL.

That's why I want him.

 

[Nhlpowerweek]

Human beings saying tavares (the best center and captain playing his best season and faceoff king) would suddenly move to the wing right before the playoffs for an o'reilly to come in... woah. You is really out there and WRONG. THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. LEARN BOUT LIFE. AND THEN SOME.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I think that would certainly have SOME impact on what he gets back, but as long as ROR is back for game 1 of the playoffs that's what is important.

Teams like Toronto at 23-8-6, or Boston at 28-4-2 don't need ROR for a single regular season game. It would be nice, it would be preferred but It's not required, if a team like Toronto, or Boston, or somehow Tampa were to pick him up they would be doing it strictly for the playoffs so as long as he's back by game 1 of the playoff he has value, probably not as much but he has value.

I get what you're saying, it's not quite true though. He needs to play to get back into top form, you want that process to be over by the time the playoffs start. There's always an adjustment when going to a new team, takes a while usually to figure out how/where he best fits in, needs to get used to linemates, same goes for the other players who switch lines etc. and same thing, you want that period to be over by the time the playoffs start. You also want to finish ahead of TB and if Boston drops off and there's any chance of catching them, that's really important as well and all that happens before the playoffs start. And most importantly, it's never certain how a player recovers from an injury especially one with a lot of miles on him so until he's playing again and we can see what level he's at, there's that risk involved as well.