The Sabres have attempted to add more depth this offseason. Their roster though may be bottom heavy and if they want to make a run to break their postseason drought, they may be looking to add a winger who has strong offensive fire power. One player they may want to look at having to return to Buffalo Sabres center Ryan O'Reilly.
The former Sabre joined the organization after a trade from the Colorado Avalanche in 2015. During his tenure, he made the All Star game in 2016 and had 176 points over his three seasons in Buffalo. He was named an alternate captain upon his arrival and became a popular player both on and off the ice.
He was traded to the St. Louis Blues during the 2018 offseason and helped lead St. Louis to the first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. He went to win the Conn Smythe Trophy after an impressive playoff campaign that saw him record 23 playoff points.
During his career Ryan O'Reilly has played in 80 or more games six times
Last season, the Sabres had only player, JJ Peterka play in all 82. O'Reilly is currently with the Nashville Predators and he recorded 69 points while playing in every game. The closest Sabre to O'Reilly's point total as Alex Tuch with 59.
Buffalo currently has over $8 million in salary cap space. O'Reilly's current contract with Nashville is a cap hit for the Predators at $4.5 million. That's at 5.11%. Buffalo would certainly have enough space to entertain the notion of bringing back the powerful center.
O'Reilly has participated in 81 playoff games during the course of his career. The nearest player on the Sabres roster is Alex Tuch with 66. The Sabres will need a player who knows how to breakthrough and get to the postseason. Trading for and having O'Reilly return may be the right move to help them get there.