Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz is demanding a hefty return for veteran centre Ryan O’Reilly

A new report from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun suggests that Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz has placed a massive asking price on veteran forward Ryan O’Reilly. According to LeBrun, if the Predators choose to move O’Reilly later this season, the price would be a first-round pick plus a top-tier prospect.

That’s… ambitious. It is 2025, after all—not 2018—and O’Reilly’s trade value is nowhere near what it once was. The 34-year-old still has one season left on his four-year, $18-million contract ($4.5 million AAV), and his production hasn’t exactly helped his case: six goals and 13 points in 22 games this season, following the worst statistical campaign he’s had in over a decade. But sure, Barry—aim high.

In a separate development, NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed earlier today that the Predators’ locker room is “the most toxic in the NHL, from top to bottom.” Trotz fired back on Nashville’s 102.5 The Game, pushing back hard on the report.

“Not very accurate. Everyone has their own opinion,” Trotz said. “Frank’s not in our room. I know what toxic is and I don’t feel we’re there. If someone is telling him that, I’d love for them to come talk to me, because I don’t see it.”

So… is Seravalli just throwing wild accusations around now? Seems that way. Interestingly, Trotz didn’t object to LeBrun’s report about O’Reilly’s price tag, so draw your own conclusions there.