The New York Rangers have had a shaky start to the 2025-26 season. The Blueshirts currently hold a 15-13-4 record and sit seventh in the Metropolitan Division standings. Adding to their struggles, they have lost three straight games, making it clear that the team is facing challenges at the moment.
Despite the recent difficulties, there is still hope for a turnaround. The Rangers are only one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the standings are tightly packed, as they are also just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens and two points behind both the Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. With playoff expectations on the line, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Rangers look to make a notable move to bolster their roster.
### Trade Target: Ryan O’Reilly
When exploring trade candidates around the NHL, Nashville Predators star center Ryan O’Reilly stands out as a compelling option for the Rangers. Given his skill set and leadership, O’Reilly could be the key piece the Rangers need to improve their lineup.
Here at Heavy Sports, we propose a trade scenario that would bring O’Reilly to New York in a major swap:
**Rangers Get:**
– Ryan O’Reilly
– 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
**Predators Get:**
– 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)
– Taylor Raddysh
– Brennan Othmann
### Why Ryan O’Reilly Is a Top Trade Candidate
The Nashville Predators are experiencing another disappointing season in 2025-26. As the holiday break approaches, Nashville holds a 12-14-4 record, placing them at the bottom of the Central Division. They currently have just one more point than the Vancouver Canucks, highlighting their ongoing struggles.
Because of the team’s poor performance, several Predators players have become subjects of trade rumors. Ryan O’Reilly, the 34-year-old veteran center, is among the most notable names linked to potential moves before the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
Lyle Richardson ranked O’Reilly No. 4 on his latest trade board for Bleacher Report, noting, “The Predators’ willingness to entertain offers will likely ensure O’Reilly pops up more frequently in the rumor mill between now and the March 6 trade deadline.”
If Nashville officially shops O’Reilly, the Rangers would be wise to aggressively pursue him. Acquiring O’Reilly could provide the final piece necessary for New York to solidify their status as a legitimate playoff contender once again.
### The Impact of O’Reilly on the Rangers’ Lineup
Adding Ryan O’Reilly would give the Rangers another high-impact center to complement their existing core. A trio featuring Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and O’Reilly down the middle would significantly enhance the Rangers’ offensive depth, making them more challenging for opponents to defend against.
Whether O’Reilly slots in on the first, second, or third line, his presence would bolster New York’s overall gameplay. His exceptional two-way abilities make him a strong candidate for both power-play and penalty-kill duties.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, O’Reilly would bring valuable leadership to the Rangers’ locker room. Having served as captain of the St. Louis Blues, he carries respected leadership experience that could positively influence the team’s culture.
### O’Reilly’s Performance So Far This Season
In 30 games this season with the Predators, Ryan O’Reilly has recorded 10 goals, 13 assists, and 23 points, with a plus-2 rating. This production follows his solid 2024-25 campaign, where he tallied 21 goals and 53 points in 79 games for Nashville.
### Final Thoughts
With the Rangers facing a pivotal stretch in their season and playoff hopes within reach, bringing in a proven talent like Ryan O’Reilly could provide the spark the team needs. If New York is willing to part with future assets and promising prospects, a trade for O’Reilly could reshape their fortunes and put the Blueshirts on a stronger path toward postseason success.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/new-york-rangers/ryan-oreilly-brennan-othmann-trade-pitch/