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Are the Winnipeg Jets in the mix for Ryan O’Reilly?

Early yesterday morning, Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater tweeted that Ryan O`Reilly was being shopped around the league in hopes of acquiring a “good” defenseman. The Winnipeg Jets, along with the Florida Panthers Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens were listed as having interest.

The idea of seeing a two-way centre like O’Reilly skate down the middle for the Winnipeg Jets surely please many, but at what cost? The Colorado Avalanche are said to be seeking a defenseman – and why wouldn’t they be – and the Jets defensive group is limited. The recently losses of Mark Stuart, Jacob Trouba, Zach Bogosian and Tobias Enstrom due to injury could hamper any such move.

The Jets current defensive group:

Ben ChiarotDustin Byfuglien

Jay HarrisonGrant Clitsome

Adam PardyPaul Postma

You have to think the only healthy Jets defenseman that would garner serious interest from the Avalanche would be Dustin Byfuglien. With the way Byfuglien has been playing and how valuable he is to the team, trading 'Big Buff' isn't something that would come on a whim.

Anybody else would have to be part of a package. If the Jets want to swing a deal for O'Reilly in the short term, they may have to throw in a future draft pick to sweeten the pot. For this reason, it is hard to believe a trade is imminent – this could change as bodies hear.

One also has to wonder, if the Jets did acquire Ryan O’Reilly, where would he play? Surely the Jets would accept an upgrade down the middle, but the Jets have received quality play from their centres thus far. Bryan Little and Mark Scheifele have done a good job as the teams top two centres. Adam Lowry has anchored the teams third line and played well – mind you he isn’t scoring much. Jim Slater hasn’t been spectacular, but he certainly hasn’t been awful. Lets not forget about Matthieu Perreault who can slot in at centre, if need be.

Do you think a trade for Ryan O`Reilly would make sense for the Jets? If so, who would you move and where would you play him?

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