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New York Rangers: Cost Comparables for Kevin Hayes

By Sam Prevot

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: New York Rangers Center Kevin Hayes (13) waits for a face-off during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. New York won 6-5. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: New York Rangers Center Kevin Hayes (13) waits for a face-off during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. New York won 6-5. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 4: Christian Wolanin #86 and Craig Anderson #41 of the Ottawa Senators defend the net against Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on April 4, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 4: Christian Wolanin #86 and Craig Anderson #41 of the Ottawa Senators defend the net against Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on April 4, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Ryan O’Reilly

Ryan O’Reilly is another center that was recently traded. There are many similarities to Duchene, as O’Reilly is the same age and spent a large portion of his career in Colorado.

O’Reilly is only entering the third year of a seven year, $52.5 million contract. That is an AAV of $7.5 million.

This summer, the Buffalo Sabres traded O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues in a blockbuster deal. In return for him the Sabres received a first round pick, a second round pick, Tage Thompson, Vladimir Sobotka and Patrik Berglund. All three of those forwards could impact the Sabres starting next season.

This season was close to a career high for O’Reilly. His performance earned him a second place finish for the Lady Byng award behind Las Vegas’ William Karlsson.

What makes O’Reilly valuable, in addition to his offensive skill, is his size. He is over six feet tall and over 200 pounds. He also has a strong defensive side to his game and is over 50% in faceoffs.

There is also the leadership factor. On both Colorado and Buffalo, O’Reilly played key leadership roles.

These skills all make Ryan O’Reilly great, and help him earn that big contract as well as a big price tag in a trade.

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