The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues on Friday [17 December], with the Minnesota Wild also involved in the blockbuster three-team trade.
In return for O’Reilly and Acciari, the Maple Leafs sent a collection of assets, headlined by a first-round pick, to St. Louis:
- TOR’s first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
- OTT’s third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
- TOR’s second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft
- Forward Mikhail Abramov
- Forward Adam Gaudette
The Blues retained half of O’Reilly’s $7.5 million salary cap hit to facilitate the deal, with Minnesota also absorbing a quarter for a fourth-round pick in 2025.
In addition to O’Reilly and Acciari – both of whom are pending unrestricted free agents, the Maple Leafs received the rights to unsigned forward prospect Josh Pillar.
Who is Maple Leafs forward Ryan O’Reilly?
Ryan O’Reilly is a 32-year-old centre who boasts a wealth of experience at the elite level.
He played a crucial role for the St. Louis Blues as they lifted the Stanley Cup in 2018-19, the same season he won the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward.
O’Reilly has recorded 19 points (12 goals, seven assists) in 40 appearances this season and is in the final months of the seven-year contract he inked with the Buffalo Sabres in 2015.
Ryan O’Reilly, now of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Image: NHL)
The Ontario-born forward was selected in the second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, amassing a total of 691 points (252 goals, 439 assists) in 977 regular-season games with the Blues, Sabres, and Avalanche.
O’Reilly is a two-time IIHF World Champion, with a gold medal from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey also on his resume.
Who is Maple Leafs forward Noel Acciari?
Noel Acciari is a 31-year-old centre who will play a bottom-six role for the Maple Leafs.
The American went undrafted as a prospect, but has since totalled 95 points (55 goals, 40 assists) in 361 appearances for the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and St. Louis Blues.
In 2014-15, Acciari led Providence College to win the NCAA Championship and was recognized as the top defensive forward in the competition.
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari from St. Louis Blues: Trade Analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs are all-in, which raises all sorts of questions about the months ahead. But one dominates the skyline.
After the arrival of Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari, is Toronto set for a deep playoff run? Remember: the Maple Leafs haven’t won a round since 2004 and are Stanley Cup-less since Lydon B. Johnson occupied the White House.
While Acciari is a solid depth addition for Toronto, this trade is all about O’Reilly.
If the 32-year-old helps the Maple Leafs achieve postseason success, Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas will be heralded for his boldness. If we witness a repeat of the Nick Foligno experience, Dubas will be out of a job. Period.
So, what do the Maple Leafs see in O’Reilly?
Ryan O'Reilly, acquired by TOR, is a top six two-way playmaking centre who typically has a very strong defensive impact. His production is down this year but he's still creating chances at a high rate. Big statement for the Leafs. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/hsQU5qzmGK
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 18, 2023
The Canadian has endured a relatively underwhelming season, with just 19 points (12 goals, 7 assists) in 40 appearances. He also spent an extended period in the press box with a broken foot.
But he also provides serious value for his discounted cap hit.
O’Reilly is excellent in the faceoff circle, adds another element to a scary powerplay crew, and will dominate his minutes as a third-line centre.
Toronto paid a heavy price, though.
Dubas sold four draft picks (a first, a second, a third, and a fourth), spread over the next three seasons.
If the Maple Leafs win in the playoffs, their draft capital will be well-spent. If not, questions will be asked about whether they should have moved for Timo Meier instead.
Related: 2023 NHL Trade Deadline: Ranking top 3 available players
Ultimately, this all boils down to O’Reilly and his influence in the playoffs.
Just nine days after he said he wouldn’t, Dubas has spent big on two rentals. Toronto is all-in. Will it work? I think so.
