On Ryan O’Reilly …
Bill Hoppe: Sabres GM Jason Botterill on the Ryan O’Reilly trade rumors:
“You have a ton of rumors right now on Ryan and I think a lot of them are very creative,” Botterill said. I would just say, from Day One, we’ve been very happy with Ryan being a part of our group and we’ve said before that it’s no surprise that teams are calling (on) him. He has a great reputation throughout the National Hockey League and especially (with) what he’s accomplished in international hockey. So I understand why people call on it, but the validity of a lot of the rumors are simply untrue.”
Mike Harrington: Botterill when asked if the Sabres had a deal in place at the draft? “No.”
Jeremy Rutherford: The St. Louis Blues remain in trade talks involving Ryan O’Reilly. They are among the teams interested in O’Reilly after July 1st (and the bonus is paid). At this moment there is no truth that they have a deal in place or that a framework to a deal has been agreed upon.
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Darren Dreger was on WGR 550 and was asked the rumored trade that fell through at the draft that involved the Canadiens acquiring one of the Islanders first-round picks, and then flipping it to the Sabres for O’Reilly.
“I don’t believe that to be entirely correct,” said Dreger. “But what I know is that there was and probably still is and will be ongoing dialogue between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres for Ryan O’Reilly.”
Dreger gets the sense that the Sabres are looking for a first and second round pick and a top prospect for O’Reilly, and that could change after July 1st. It may take more after the $7.5 million bonus is paid. Dreger was asked what the package could be increased too.
“I don’t know. Maybe you want two firsts,” speculated Dreger. “Or maybe instead of a prospect you want a young player. It’s hard to say exactly what that package could mean. But I think that there’s enough interest that Botterill should hold his ground.
“Montreal is the most obvious, but I think the St. Louis Blues have inquired. There’s some who believe that maybe Carolina has some interest.”