Insider reveals why Ryan O'Reilly was suddenly traded to the Maple Leafs

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Sam Hutch
February 18, 2023 (10:58)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs sent shockwaves around the National Hockey League acquiring Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues for a handful of picks and 2 depth forwards. It appears Toronto was the only place a deal for O'Reilly was going to happen.

According to TSN's Carlo Colaiacovo, when it was clear St Louis was selling going into the trade deadline O'Reilly hand picked his destination. Take a look:

Credit to both Dubas & Armstrong. When it was clear the Blues were committed to sell, they allowed ROR to have a say in his desired place. He & his family chose TOR & both GM's found a way to get it done quick

O'Reilly, 32, has played in 40 games for the Blues this season while dealing with injuries and has put up a total of 19 points including 12 goals and 7 assists.

To have a media member like Carlo Colaiacovo praise a move made by the Leafs is quite honestly shocking.

Ryan O'Reilly effectively returning home for family reasons is also something that should be commended. It sounds like he made this to bring his family back to his home province, along with what is hopefully a longer play off run.

You know, it is the Toronto Maple Leafs though, somehow they'll find a way to lose in round 1 again.