Revisiting the Blues' Trade for Ryan O'Reilly

The St. Louis Blues acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade that significantly impacted the NHL landscape and played a crucial role in winning a Stanley Cup.

Details of the Trade

The Blues and Sabres agreed to exchange Ryan O'Reilly for Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Initially, the deal seemed heavily in favor of St. Louis.

Complex Legacy of the Trade

More than six years later, perspectives have shifted, revealing a more balanced outcome. Multiple factors and outcomes influence how the trade is viewed by both teams and their fans.

Ryan O'Reilly’s Early Career

Selected 33rd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, O'Reilly quickly became a popular player. Concerned about long-term costs, Colorado traded him to Buffalo for defenseman Nikita Zadorov and forwards Mikhail Grigorenko and J.T. Compher (31st pick in the 2015 NHL Draft).

Performance with the Buffalo Sabres

During three seasons with Buffalo, O'Reilly played 224 games, scoring 65 goals and totaling 176 points. Although he consistently scored over 60 points each season, Buffalo’s overall record of 93-118-35 contributed to O'Reilly’s declining passion for the game.

"Though he never produced less than 60 points in a single season, a collective record of 93-118-35 over his three seasons in Buffalo left the 27-year-old O’Reilly with a loss of love for the game."

Both fan bases still debate which side got the better end, reflecting the trade's ongoing complexity.

Author’s summary: The Ryan O'Reilly trade reshaped both teams in ways that continue to spark debate, proving its impact extends far beyond the initial transaction.

The Hockey Writers — 2025-11-02