Ryan O'Reilly laments Leafs coaching - 'There's so many things we could have done differently'

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Liam
June 8, 2023 (9:36)

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In his first interview with the Toronto media following the Leafs elimination in the second round, the pending free agent and big-name Leafs deadline acquisition Ryan O'Reilly spoke candidly about his experience with the Leafs, including a sly criticism of the coaching staff.

O'Reilly was interviewed by Overdrive, the most prominent radio show in Toronto, who began their interview asking O'Reilly about the personal experience of being a Maple Leaf. All his answers provided a glowing review of his time in Toronto, repeatedly citing how much it means more to this city, and how Ryan revelled in that feeling.

Likening the experience to playing for the New York Yankees, O'Reilly loved being a part of the league's biggest franchise, even saying «hopefully we can get something done» in regards to staying in Toronto.

However, later in the interview as the Overdrive hosts worked through the Leafs elimination in the second round, O'Reilly was critical of the team's play and even their coaching. Potentially referring to the Leafs loaded second line of Tavares, Marner, and himself, O'Reilly lamented that the he and others thought the coaching staff could've adjusted better to the Florida series, and did so multiple times.

It's an interesting comment, being that it comes across as hiding his disappointment and potential criticism from being too public, but with the GM change and potential coaching change in Toronto, perhaps there's an avenue for O'Reilly to return and feel better about the team's playoff chances.