An intriguing report from the Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos revealed that former Leafs forward Ryan O’Reilly was a strong advocate for the Nashville Predators to pursue a blockbuster trade for Marner before the team made significant investments in high-profile free agents such as Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.
“Prior to the Predators spending a whack of dough on free agents (Steven) Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, eq-Leaf Ryan O’Reilly did his very best to convince GM Barry Trotz to make a push and trade for Mitch Marner,” Kypreos said.
This Maple Leafs off-season is off to a nice start. There's a long way to go to conquer the Atlantic https://t.co/Ptvti2xTMk
— Toronto Star Sports (@StarSports) July 4, 2024
“I think so many things come into play, but yeah I think that is a factor as well,” O’Reilly said in an interview on First Up on TSN 1050 in regards to living and playing in Toronto for the Maple Leafs. “It is different. It is something I did enjoy for the time there but I just felt it was better to be somewhere else.”
When asked about Mitch Marner and a potential trade Barry Tritz replied, “They haven’t talked to us,”. “I read the same stuff as you, that’s just rumors.”
