Ryan O'Reilly: "Why Can't We Contend?"
The Nashville Predators big free agent signing likes what he sees and has an optimistic outlook for his new team's future.
Ryan O'Reilly: "Why Can't We Contend?""Why can't we contend?"
In his first meeting with the Nashville media, veteran Ryan O'Reilly wasted no time explaining what he liked about the Predators team and why he wanted to join the organization.
"I think the veteran players - the way they impact the game is so impressive," O'Reilly said. "To watch from last year and the youth and what they do, there's a great balance of both."
"Coming here is something I look forward to. I think we can take a step and be right there competing for a Cup."
This is an optimistic prediction for a Nashville fanbase that has been prepared for a step back. This is not the same Predators team that a few seasons ago won the Presidents' Trophy and hoped to add a piece or two to get back to Stanley Cup contention. Barry Trotz set expectations a bit lower for the next few seasons.
"We want to do something special here," Trotz said addressing his free agency moves. "To get there we're going to have to have some hard times and have to bite the bullet on certain things."
Adding the Stanley Cup and Con Smythe winning O'Reilly was a big piece of Trotz's long term plan. Referred to as a "serial winner" by Nashville's new GM, O'Reilly and veterans Luke Schenn and Gus Nyquist are additions that Trotz believes will get the team closer to contention.
The 32 year old O'Reilly likes what he sees from Nashville's team already, especially Roman Josi.
"It's nice not to chase him around anymore compared to the last few years. He's given me a lot of issues," O'Reilly said of the Predators' captain. "Such an incredible guy, and incredible player. Such a great leader, too. I'm excited to follow him and have success and bring a Cup here."
O'Reilly won't just be a follower on this team. The 14 year veteran is willing to share his experience and lend his voice to the younger players Nashville is counting on in this new chapter. The former St. Louis Blues captain brings a wealth of knowledge to the locker room.
For O'Reilly, the growth is in the details.
"The older you get, the more you have to establish the details not just in one area. It's every area and continuing to develop," O'Reilly said. "I still have a lot of ways to grow my game and get better, and I think that's something young guys have to understand, too."
Having been through highs and lows in his career, O'Reilly remembers the challenges of keeping a healthy mindset. His experience may speak to players like Cody Glass, Luke Evangelista, and Phil Tomasino next season.
"You have a couple of good weeks and then you fall off a bit, and the more you can stay consistent with not just the puck, but the details - being hard to play against. That's something that I think keeps elevating your performance."
Taking in the talent of veterans like Josi and the way the younger players impacted the game last season has O'Reilly asking the optimist question, "Why not us?" when it comes to Nashville's ability to get back to Cup contention.
"We have great leadership, we have great young pieces," O'Reilly said. "You know, why can't we contend? Why can't we?"