Ryan O’Reilly has been a shining star for the Buffalo Sabres in his first month of being here. After signing a lucrative deal with the Sabres back in July, O’Reilly had some very high expectations of him for this coming year (and next 7 years). After a bit of a slow start that was expected for the entire team, O’Reilly seems to have found his bearings and his place in the lineup, and by God is he showing off.
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I will be the first one to admit it. From the moment that I heard it on the TV at the Draft, I was not too happy about getting O’Reilly from the Avalanche. I appreciated his work ethic and the skills he possessed, but I did not believe that he was a top line center. Not too many times do I have to eat my words, but this is a time that I am very happy to do so.
Since being with the Buffalo Sabres, Ryan O’Reilly has not only been solidified as the top center on the team, but he is also showcasing his leadership skills. He was rewarded after training camp with an “A” on his sweater, and it was one that was well deserved. I would not be shocked if he took the captaincy from Brian Gionta in the next year.
I can sit here and rave about the skills that O’Reilly possesses, but I do not have to. He has been a powerhouse producer that is speaking volumes with his consistent play on the ice. There isn’t a single shift where I am not excited to see this guy out there. The proof is in the point production for O’Reilly, and he is on pace for a monstrous season.
Ryan O’Reilly currently sits at the top of the Sabres scoring chart with 13 points in 12 games (4 goals and 9 assists) and that puts him on pace for just over an 82 point campaign. He leads the Sabres in power play points (7) and has been a dominate force in centering shifty winger Tyler Ennis. His right wing has been switched around a few times and now features Nicolas Deslauriers.
If a player is dependent on another in order for them to produce, they cannot be defined as an elite one. O’Reilly is currently the only Sabres player that is putting up points in every situation he can. He is creating the scoring chances as well as capitalizing on them. He is the elite force on the Sabres offense that gives me a giddy feeling when his line steps on the ice.
Ryan O’Reilly’s production is not only good on a production aspect, but on an inspirational and motivational level as well. With him playing so well, he is setting a new standard for what it takes to be the top player on the team. With Jack Eichel surely chomping at the bit to produce and to eventually become the top offensive force on the Sabres, O’Reilly’s work ethic and example is very important.
O’Reilly is pushing the pace for all the Sabres forwards, and it’s about time that some of them catch up, or at least is to the challenge. It will only make the team better as a whole.