Buffalo Sabres Forward Ryan O'Reilly is playing in the World Cup of Hockey after all. Team Canada announced Tuesday that O'Reilly will replace Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin on the roster.
O'Reilly, 25, scored 21 goals and added 39 assists during his first season in Buffalo, and his performance was good enough to earn a trip to his first NHL All-Star game. Buffalo acquired O'Reilly in a trade with Colorado at the 2015 NHL Draft.
Seguin, who played in Team Canada's first two pre-tournament games, reportedly suffered a lower-body injury this week.
Hearing @HC_Men Seguin sustained an injury during pre season that could knock him out rest of tourn. #WCH2016
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) September 14, 2016
Team Canada will play its first tournament game Saturday against Team Czech Republic.
My thoughts:
O'Reilly was the Sabres all around best player last season and it was a surprise that he wasn't on the initial Team Canada roster. No one wants to see an injury during this tournament -- but those rooting for Team Canada will love O'Reilly. He's not as skilled offensively as Seguin, but he's a solid two-way player who can play in any situation. If O'Reilly gets out of the tournament healthy -- and that's a big if -- Sabres fans should be happy he was Seguin's replacement. It's just another reason to watch this tournament.
