By John Vogl
SUNRISE, Fla. -- The biggest name on the trade market has been snatched up. It's now just a matter of seeing where Ryan O'Reilly plays.
The Calgary Flames have signed the holdout restricted free agent to a two-year, $10 million offer sheet. The Colorado Avalanche, who couldn't sign the center and have been entertaining trade offers, have seven days to match the offer. If they don't, they will receive a first- and third-round pick from the Flames as compensation.
The Avs have balked at O'Reilly's $5 million asking price, so they likely will be hesitant to match the offer. It includes a $6.5 million salary in Year Two, which then becomes the base for O'Reilly's qualifying offer when his deal expires.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder has a growing reputation as a solid two-way center. The 22-year-old had 18 goals and 55 points in 81 games last season, his third in the NHL.
Though the Sabres already have young centers, they are believed to have at least inquired about O'Reilly. The Avs, according to a source, were asking for a roster player, a prospect and a draft pick.
The Flames changed that with the offer sheet, which is the sixth one since 2007, according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.
