Is Ryan O'Reilly playing tonight against Blue Jackets? Latest update on forward ahead of the matchup on April 4, 2023

Toronto Maple Leafs center Ryan O'Reilly will not be playing against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. However, the good news is that he is getting closer to returning to the lineup. O'Reilly has been out of action since March 10th after he suffered a broken finger that required surgery.

According to reports, O'Reilly still needs to undergo another X-ray and a check-up, while he has been practicing, he has not yet been cleared for contact. But given his progress, it seems likely that he will be back on the ice in the near future.

Since being traded to the Maple Leafs from the St. Louis Blues on February 17th, O'Reilly has been a productive player for Toronto. In his first eight games with the team, he picked up three goals and five points. His absence has been felt by the team, as they have struggled to maintain consistency without him in the lineup.

The Maple Leafs will need to continue to find ways to win without O'Reilly in the lineup, but his eventual return will undoubtedly provide a boost to the team's offense. The veteran forward brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the ice, and his return will be eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike. For now, the team will have to wait patiently for O'Reilly's return and hope that they can pick up a win against Columbus without him.

Ryan O'Reilly dominates in impressive 2022-23 NHL season

Ryan O'Reilly is a skilled center who has established himself as one of the top two-way forwards in the NHL. In the 2022-23 season, O'Reilly played in all 82 games for his team and put up impressive numbers across the board.

He scored 32 goals and tallied 52 assists for a total of 84 points, finishing in the top 10 in league scoring. O'Reilly was also a force defensively, with a +25 rating and 57 takeaways.

Ryan O'Reilly was a key contributor on both special teams, with seven power-play goals and three shorthanded goals. He was also clutch when it mattered most, scoring five game-winning goals and two overtime goals.

In addition to his offensive and defensive contributions, O'Reilly was a leader on and off the ice. He won 56% of his faceoffs and averaged 20:37 of ice time per game, second among forwards on his team.

Ryan O'Reilly had a fantastic season and proved why he is such a valuable player in the NHL. His ability to contribute in all areas of the game makes him a true asset to any team.