One of the biggest offseason moves in the NHL this summer was when the Buffalo Sabres pulled the trigger and sent Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues in a package for three forwards and two draft picks.
O’Reilly hasn’t spoken much at all since the trade, but broke his silence on Friday night in a multi-paragraph message posted on Twitter by the Instigators, the Sabres official radio show that features Andrew Peters, Craig Rivet, and TSN Hockey’s Martin Biron. The 27-year-old centre thanked his teammates, Sabres fans, and the organization and its staff.
Here’s the entire text form.
“I formally want to thank the Buffalo Sabres and the city of Buffalo for the past three years. When I was traded here I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away by how much this city has to offer and all of the amazing people I met. I feel very privileged that I was able to call Buffalo my home.
“To Mr. and Mrs. Pegula, I want to thank you for your support of the Sabres and what you did for me and my family during my time in Buffalo. Your treatment of the players is second to none; and your contributions to the city of Buffalo and the sporting world is so impressive.
“To the people of Buffalo, your unwavering support for your teams is inspirational; you even made me a Bills fan! I also want to thank you for being so good to me and my family. I know we didn’t get the result you wanted but you are in great hands and have a bright future. Thank you for your initial welcoming and your endless support throughout.
“To the entire Sabres organization (management, coaches, trainers, doctors and support staff), many thanks to the great people who excel at their jobs. The charity work that you do is outstanding and it was a pleasure to get to work with you.
“To my teammates, I wish you guys the best. I have made some lifelong friendships and I am grateful to have played with each and every one of you.
“Finally, again many thanks to everyone. I will never forget my time in Buffalo and how great the city of Buffalo truly is.
“I am excited for the next chapter of my life and wish all of you the best.”
You even made him a Bills fan, Buffalo. Bills Mafia really does have that type of effect on people.
During the Sabres’ locker clean-out following the conclusion of the regular season, O’Reilly said he “lost his love for the game at times this season.”
In three seasons with the Sabres, O’Reilly amassed 176 points in 224 games. The Clinton, Ontario, product has scored at least 50 points in his last six full seasons of hockey.
(h/t The Instigators)
