Conn Smythe Trophy Ryan O'Reilly

Lore & Background

Ryan O'Reilly's tenure with the St. Louis Blues defined a new era of resilience for the franchise, known affectionately as the 'Blueshirts' by fans. Before his arrival in 2018, the team had spent decades chasing glory only to fall short at the doorstep; O'Reilly brought a gritty, defensive-minded style that perfectly complemented the team's identity. His acquisition was viewed not just as a roster upgrade, but as a cultural shift toward accountability and hard work.

In Their Own Story

The air inside TD Garden was thick with tension and the smell of stale popcorn and anticipation as Game 7 entered overtime. Ryan O'Reilly skated slowly toward center ice, the weight of a city on his shoulders. He didn't need to say anything; his eyes spoke volumes. As the puck dropped for the face-off, he won it cleanly, setting up the play that would change history forever. When the net finally bulged under his shot, the roar from the traveling Blues faithful was deafening. In that moment, O'Reilly wasn't just a player; he was the savior of St. Louis.

Reader's Guide

On June 12, 2019, Ryan O'Reilly scored the overtime winner in Game 7 against the Boston Bruins to win the Stanley Cup for the Blues. Immediately following the victory, O'Reilly was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs, becoming only the second captain in franchise history to receive the honor. His performance included a +10 rating during the Final series and critical defensive stops that neutralized Boston's elite offense throughout the seven-game marathon.

Did You Know?

• Ryan O'Reilly became the first St. Louis Blues player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in the franchise's 52-year history.
• O'Reilly was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to St. Louis just before the 2018-19 season, becoming an instant fan favorite.

Rapid Rise and Colorado Foundation

Ryan O'Reilly's professional journey began with remarkable immediacy following his selection as the 33rd overall pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2009. Breaking franchise records, he became the youngest player to appear in a regular-season game for the club, making the opening night roster without needing minor league seasoning. This rare feat made him the first non-first-round draftee since Patrice Bergeron to secure an immediate NHL spot upon his draft year's conclusion. His rookie campaign was defined by a strong start that included a seven-game point streak and a game-winning goal against Montreal, though he eventually pivoted to become the team's premier defensive anchor. O'Reilly distinguished himself as an elite penalty killer, leading the Avalanche in ice time on the kill and achieving a historic milestone by scoring two short-handed goals in a single game against Columbus. His rookie season concluded with 26 points and a memorable playoff debut where he scored an improbable overtime winner against San Jose. Over his first six seasons in Colorado, O'Reilly evolved into a top defensive forward, setting franchise records for takeaways and earning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship before departing via trade.

The Buffalo Interlude and St. Louis Ascension

After establishing himself as a cornerstone in Colorado, O'Reilly was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, where he spent three seasons continuing his reputation as an elite two-way forward. However, his career trajectory shifted dramatically when he was dealt to the St. Louis Blues in 2018, setting the stage for his most significant achievements. In St. Louis, O'Reilly's impact culminated in a historic 2019 playoff run where the Blues defeated the Boston Bruins to capture the Stanley Cup. His performance throughout the postseason was so dominant that he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player of the playoffs. This accolade recognized his clutch play and leadership during the championship series, cementing his status as one of the NHL's premier centers. Following this triumph, his value to the franchise was further acknowledged when he was named team captain in 2020. The transition from Buffalo to St. Louis proved pivotal, transforming O'Reilly from a respected veteran into a decorated champion and league MVP, showcasing his ability to elevate teams on the biggest stages.

Defining Two-Way Excellence

Throughout his career spanning multiple franchises including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators, Ryan O'Reilly has been consistently lauded as one of the National Hockey League's finest two-way forwards. This designation reflects his unique ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the ice, balancing offensive production with elite defensive responsibility. His commitment to this style of play was formally recognized in 2019 when he won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. This honor came during his championship season with St. Louis, validating years of grinding work on penalty kills and shutdown lines that often went unnoticed by casual observers. Even during his tenure in Colorado, where he led the league in takeaways and set franchise records for defensive metrics, O'Reilly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice offensive statistics for team success. His game is characterized by high hockey IQ, relentless forechecking, and an ability to neutralize elite opposing talent, making him a critical asset for any roster seeking stability and depth.