Ryan O'Reilly Trade
The trade that brought a Conn Smythe winner and Stanley Cup champion to St. Louis.
The Ryan O'Reilly trade on July 1, 2018, sent him from the Buffalo Sabres to the St. Louis Blues. With St. Louis, O'Reilly won the Stanley Cup in 2019 over the Boston Bruins and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2019 playoffs, later being named captain in 2020. This acquisition brought a proven two-way center to the Blues, a player who would go on to win the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the 2018-19 season (awarded in June 2019 after the Cup win) and was frequently referred to as one of the NHL's best two-way forwards.
- Acquisition Year
- 2018
- Previous Team
- Buffalo Sabres
- Key Achievement
- Stanley Cup Champion (2019)
- Leadership Role
- Team Captain (Appointed 2020)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
On July 1, 2018, the St. Louis Blues acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres. O'Reilly had spent three seasons in Buffalo after being traded from the Colorado Avalanche in 2015. In his first season with the Blues, O'Reilly won the Stanley Cup in 2019 over the Boston Bruins and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2019 playoffs. He was later named captain in 2020. O'Reilly won the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the 2018-19 season (awarded in June 2019 after the Cup win) and was frequently referred to as one of the NHL's best two-way forwards.
In Their Own Story
The trade on July 1, 2018, sent Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres to the St. Louis Blues. O'Reilly had previously played for the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres. With St. Louis, O'Reilly won the Stanley Cup in 2019 over the Boston Bruins and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2019 playoffs. He was later named captain in 2020.
Reader's Guide
The St. Louis Blues acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2018. O'Reilly had played three seasons in Buffalo after being traded from the Colorado Avalanche in 2015. With St. Louis, O'Reilly won the Stanley Cup in 2019 over the Boston Bruins and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2019 playoffs. He was later named captain in 2020. O'Reilly had previously won the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2019 and was frequently referred to as one of the NHL's best two-way forwards.
Did You Know?
- Ryan O'Reilly was traded to the St. Louis Blues on July 1, 2018.
- With St. Louis, O'Reilly won the Stanley Cup in 2019 over the Boston Bruins.
- O'Reilly was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2019 playoffs.
- He was named captain of the Blues in 2020.
- O'Reilly won the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the 2018-19 season, awarded in June 2019 after the Stanley Cup win.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ryan O'Reilly join the St. Louis Blues?
He was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2018. This move brought a proven two-way center to the franchise during free agency.
Did Ryan O'Reilly win a championship with St. Louis?
Yes, he helped lead the Blues to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2019 against the Boston Bruins. His performance was instrumental during that playoff run.
What individual honor did O'Reilly receive after the 2019 playoffs?
He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason. This recognized his critical contributions to winning the championship.
What leadership position did O'Reilly assume later in his Blues career?
He was named the team captain in 2020 following his successful first seasons with the club. This solidified his status as a core leader for the organization.
Why is this trade considered significant in Blues history?
It delivered a franchise-winning player who also earned the Frank J. Selke Trophy that same season. The acquisition fundamentally changed the team's trajectory toward a championship.
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