Getty Images It looks like forward Ryan O’Reilly‘s tenure with the KHL’s Metallurg Magnitogorsk is over, according to the Denver Post and R-Sport.
Although the 21-year-old inked a two-year deal with the KHL club, it came with an out clause and the two sides appear to have agreed to mutually terminate the contract.
One factor in the timing could be that the window for Metallurg to sign a potential replacement will end on Jan. 31, so this gives them ample time to do so. However, the team also claims that he “aggravated” a foot injury in his last game and it’s not clear how serious that is.
Either way, the big question now is if a deal between O’Reilly and the Colorado Avalanche is imminent. O’Reilly is a restricted free agent that has reportedly been offered separate two-year, $7 million and five-year, $17 million contracts by the Avalanche. To this point O’Reilly has held out and has already missed Colorado’s first two games as a result.
His two-way game would be a great addition to the Avalanche at any time, but they could especially use his help now that forward Steve Downie, 25, has suffered a torn ACL that will require season-ending surgery.
O’Reilly broke out with 55 points in 81 games last season.
Update: TSN’s Bob McKenzie confirmed that O’Reilly is no longer under contract with KHL Metallurg, but he emphasized that there has been no progress in the negotiations between O’Reilly and the Avalanche.
-
Getty Images
His Twitter feed teases “a big day” on Tuesday.
-
Hawks’ Smith goes from lunch with mom to playing for Hossa
Jun 18, 2013, 12:02 AM EDT
Getty Images
Just a “wild night” for a Black Ace.
-
AP
Odd timing, but big news.
-
Getty Images
Led by Patrice Bergeron, who scored a goal and was practically unbeatable in the faceoff circle.
-
Getty Images
Dennis Seidenberg: “It feels like sandpaper.”
-
Getty Images
“It’s a low-chance game and a low-chance series,” he said.
-
Joel Quenneville said it was “definitely not good.”
-
Getty Images
He was a game-time decision for Game 3.
-
Getty Images
A masterful performance by Boston.
-
Nathan MacKinnon says Sidney Crosby opened doors for small-town players
Jun 17, 2013, 10:15 PM EDT
Getty Images
Both are much-hyped forwards from Cole Harbour, Novia Scotia.
-
Video: Jagr sets up Bergeron, moves ahead of Coffey on all-time playoff scoring list
Jun 17, 2013, 10:10 PM EDT
Getty Images
He owns fifth place with 197 points.
-
Getty Images
Big results for his line with Tyler Seguin and Chris Kelly.
-
Getty Images
Does that mean it could fall through?
-
Getty Images
Big (and surprising) loss for the Chicago Blackhawks.
-
Getty Images
Chris Mason’s amazing beard couldn’t mask lousy numbers.
-
Getty Images
Multiple sources expect buyouts for Ilya Bryzgalov and Daniel Briere.
-
23-year-old was the club’s second-round pick in 2008.
-
Reports: Vigneault gets five-year, $10 million contract to coach Rangers
Jun 17, 2013, 5:04 PM EDT
AP
Former Canucks bench boss cashes in.
-
Getty Images
Just five days after acquiring him from the Islanders.
-
Getty Images
Interesting, given he’s probably going to get traded this summer.
