‘Despite his proven success, O’Reilly became expendable because of Buffalo’s emerging promising younger duo of centers in Jack Eichel and Casey Mittelstadt. This deal allows the Sabres to flip O’Reilly into some valuable future assets (the picks and Thompson) while avoiding his payout and adding roster players during the rebuild.’
St. Louis Blues acquire Ryan O'Reilly from Sabres in exchange for picks, players
Source: CBS Sports