"There will be a lot of interest": NHL insider weighs in on $18,000,000 center's future with Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are struggling so far this season, and it could make Ryan O'Reilly an interesting trade option. Hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman believes there's interest, but he's not sure the seventh-place Predators are really interested in selling him.

Despite not having a no-trade clause, Friedman believes the Preds are treating him as if he does. However, he still believes other hockey teams are looking into adding O'Reilly, who is in the midst of a four-year, $18 million deal.

He said on his 32 Thoughts podcast (22:50):

"Teams are looking for centers are talking about O'Reilly, and I heard that the Predators have been called to be him, and that's what they had told teams, that he's being treated as if he has no move protection."

With that said, Friedman still believes the Predators' preference is to hold on to O'Reilly. He called the center one of their biggest team needs, and trading one away would only make it that much worse.

He added:

"O'Reilly is a culture guy, and I think they want, especially as they start bringing some young players in, they want him to be part of teaching these young players how to play... I have no doubt there will be a lot of interest."

Friedman reiterated that the Predators aren't going to move him unless they're blown away by the offer. But he ultimately believes the Predators don't want to move their star center and that any move they ponder will have to be approved by the player as well.

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NHL insider makes plain the situation around Nashville Predators star

Nashville Predators star Ryan O'Reilly has already had plenty of inquiries this season. With the NHL Trade Deadline nearing, teams are wondering if the seventh-place Preds will move off of him.

Ryan O'Reilly is not available from the Nashville Predators (Imagn)

Per Elliotte Friedman, the team is acting as if they're unable to trade their star player. He said via The Hockey News:

"The respect he has around the league is so high, people want to know if he could be available. Here's what I understand the Predators are telling teams: They're saying, 'He may not have protection language in his contract, but he is being treated as if he has a no-move clause.'"

The door is open, but only barely. It looks now as if O'Reilly will not have a new home by season's end.