Image: Credit to Dan Hickling
In my last blog post, I went into detail about why I think Ryan O'Reilly would be a perfect fit for the Dallas Stars. Now, we're going to dive into what a potential trade between Dallas and Nashville could or would look like. All of the proposals are assuming Nashville would even be willing to trade him and the proposals below are only ones that I think Dallas would consider. As the Dallas Stars gear up for another deep playoff run, they must evaluate how to fill the gaps in their lineup. With Tyler Seguin on LTIR, the Stars could have an opportunity to make a splash by acquiring Ryan O’Reilly from the Nashville Predators. O’Reilly’s leadership, experience, and two-way game make him a natural fit for Dallas, and the cost mostly revolves around Stankoven, Bourque, Bichsel, and/or draft picks.
Proposal 1
Trade Details:
- To Dallas Stars: Ryan O’Reilly
- To Nashville Predators: Mavrik Bourque, 2024 2nd-round pick, 2025 3rd-round pick
Why the Stars Benefit
We've gone into immense depth as to why the Stars would want Ryan O'Reilly, but in a different angle, this trade scenario also allows Dallas to keep Logan Stankoven, Lian Bichsel (their top defensive prospect), and their 1st round picks which we all know Nill likes to keep.
Why the Predators Benefit
For Nashville, acquiring Mavrik Bourque gives them a young, skilled forward with the potential to grow into a top-six contributor. The additional draft picks provide flexibility for future trades or building through the draft. This is assuming GM Barry Trotz wants to take this team into a rebuild.
Challenges and Risks
Dallas sacrifices a high-ceiling prospect in Bourque, which could impact their future depth. For Nashville, the risk lies in how well Bourque develops and whether the draft picks they get from Dallas will yield impactful players.
Proposal 2
Trade Details
- To Dallas Stars: Ryan O’Reilly (50% salary retained)
- To Nashville Predators: Lian Bichsel, 2024 2nd-round pick, 2025 conditional 3rd-round pick (upgrades to a 2nd if Dallas reaches the Western Conference Final)
Why the Stars Benefit
Retaining a portion of his salary would enable Dallas to fit O’Reilly within their cap structure while maintaining the flexibility to pursue additional roster moves. This arrangement would allow the Stars to add O’Reilly without significant concern about his contract's impact on their cap space in future seasons, given the multiple years remaining on his deal. This trade allows Dallas to acquire O’Reilly without parting with top offensive prospects like Logan Stankoven or Mavrik Bourque, which is critical for maintaining their long-term competitiveness.
Why the Predators Benefit
Nashville lands a high-value defensive prospect in Lian Bichsel, who has the potential to become a top-four defenseman. With strong skating and physicality, Bichsel fits the Predators' tradition of building through the blue line. The draft picks also provide assets for the future, helping Nashville build a competitive team over time.
Challenges and Risks
For Dallas, trading Bichsel could leave them thin in their defensive pipeline. For Nashville, retaining salary limits their flexibility, and they must ensure Bichsel meets his potential.
Proposal 3
Trade Details:
- To Dallas Stars: Ryan O’Reilly
- To Nashville Predators: 2024 1st-round pick, 2025 2nd-round pick, 2025 4th-round pick
Why the Stars Benefit:
Again... broken record. O'Reilly. BUT by structuring this deal around picks, Dallas avoids depleting their prospect pool, keeping players like Logan Stankoven, Mavrik Bourque, and Lian Bichsel available for their long-term plans.
Why the Predators Benefit:
This trade allows Nashville to stockpile premium draft picks. The 1st-round pick provides a cornerstone asset, while the additional picks create flexibility to move up in future drafts or acquire young players via trade. For a rebuilding team, this package provides long-term security.
Challenges and Risks:
For Dallas, depleting draft picks reduces future flexibility, which could hurt if their current roster doesn’t deliver a championship. For Nashville, relying on picks rather than established prospects is inherently risky.
Proposal 4
Trade Details:
- To Dallas Stars: Ryan O’Reilly (50% salary retained)
- To Nashville Predators: Mavrik Bourque, 2024 2nd-round pick, 2025 conditional 2nd-round pick (upgrades to a 1st if Dallas wins the Stanley Cup)
Why the Stars Benefit:
Ryan O’Reilly is a proven winner, capable of thriving in high-pressure situations. His two-way game and ability to contribute on both ends of the ice would bolster Dallas’ middle-six, providing the depth necessary for a deep playoff run. Salary retention by Nashville makes this deal even more attractive.
Why the Predators Benefit:
Nashville lands a top prospect in Mavrik Bourque, whose offensive skill set aligns with their long-term vision. The draft picks offer additional flexibility, ensuring the Predators get both immediate and future value for O’Reilly.
Challenges and Risks:
Dallas risks losing a future star in Bourque, and Nashville must weigh the impact of O’Reilly’s leadership on their young roster against the value of the return.
