This season, the Toronto Maple Leafs carried high hopes of finally making a deep playoff run, taking that next crucial step forward.
The optimism was heightened when the former Leafs General Manager, Kyle Dubas, pulled off a surprising move, acquiring Ryan O'Reilly in a trade with the St. Louis Blues.
O'Reilly, who becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this summer, has conveyed his wish to remain with Leafs Nation. During an interview on TSN's OverDrive, he reflected on his time as a Leaf.
However, O'Reilly's stint in Toronto may have come to a premature end. While it would be ideal for new General Manager Brad Treliving and O'Reilly's agent to agree on a new deal, the reality could be otherwise.