Strombone1 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Earlier this month, we highlighted a piece from the Denver Post’s Mike Chambers on how “crazy” it was that Colorado hadn’t yet re-upped with Ryan O’Reilly. After doing some digging, Chambers might’ve found out why a deal hasn’t been reached. More, from the Post: [O'Reilly] is an restricted free agent who is coming off his three-year, entry-level contract, and a breakout 2011-12 season in which he led the Avs in scoring and was tops in the NHL with 104 takeaways. Word is he wants a five-year deal and the Avs are only offering three. He figures to make between $3 million and $4.5 million annually. Chambers spoke to Detroit defenseman Kyle Quincey, one of O’Reilly’s ex-Avalanche teammates, who had nothing but praise for the 21-year-old. “He’s one of the best hockey players I’ve played with and by far one of the top five good guys off the ice,” Quincey said of O’Reilly. “He’s by far the hardest worker I’ve ever played with. He’s an unbelievable guy.” Quincey also addressed the fact O’Reilly remains unsigned. “You have no idea of how the negotiations are going. That’s between [O'Reilly] and his agent and the team,” he said. “Outside the handful of people in the know, we’re just guessing. The facts are, he’s a great hockey player and great person and there’s no way he’s not going to sign. “The offer sheet thing is very rare and I know teams don’t like to do it, but it is a possibility.” It remains unclear why Colorado wouldn’t want to lock up O’Reilly long term…well, other than the fact the franchise appears averse to lengthy deals. No Avalanche player has a contract beyond 2015-16 (the only three locked in ’til 2016 are David Jones, Erik Johnson and P.A. Parenteau.) At the June draft, GM Greg Sherman inked center Matt Duchene to a two-year deal, a move that raised eyebrows. It seemed like a pretty short term deal, especially since Duchene was a Calder finalist in 2010 and led the team in scoring in 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanucksFanMike Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 He has the potential to be a really productive number 1/2 center some day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOMapleLaughs Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Same ol', same ol'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elvis15 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 He has the potential to be a really productive number 1/2 center some day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossram Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Either he signs a Michael Grabner type deal if he wants 5 years - something like 2.5 - 3 million per year - or he signs a Couture-type deal on a short term, continues to perform and then he can hit the pay day. At this point he has not proven enough, or has enough pedigree to get the big contracts other young, star RFAs have been getting like Tavares, Hall, Skinner, etc. He'll probably push for something in the Oshie type range, but won't get it because he's only had one good season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buttock Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Leading scorer...'nuff said. Having actually seen the guy play...locking him up is a no-brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
da.moose Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 If Colorado can sign him long term at a good cap hit they should do it. That way he will be locked up at a cheap price when they are actually competitive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtpasc Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Colorado should lock up Orielly while they can, he's a stud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niloc009 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Fantastic on defence, great on offence. It'd be a mistake to not sign this guy long term before he strings together more spectacular seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azzy Mahmood Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Fantastic on defence, great on offence. It'd be a mistake to not sign this guy long term before he strings together more spectacular seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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