What if the Sabres never traded Ryan O’Reilly?

Dec 6, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O Reilly (90) scores second period goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Anders Nilsson (39) at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images | Perry Nelson-Imagn ImagesIt's been over seven years since the Sabres traded Ryan O’Reilly to the Blues, and Sabres fans have questioned it ever since. O’Reilly was traded for Tage Thompson, a top-10 protected 2019 first-round pick, a 2021 second-round pick, Vladimir Sobotka, and Patrik Berglund.

O’Reilly was exactly what the Blues needed as he won the Selke the following season, and helped the Blues to their first ever Stanley Cup. The Blues trade had immediately paid off;…