Ya if ten guys wanted him cut, it would have come out. Just like with Kane and a bunch of other guys.
I’m obviously suggesting that the overall narrative was seeded by O’Reilly being honest at the end of the year, and then management running with it hard, because they wanted to get rid of him and quickly and knew they took a loss on what they might have gotten if they were willing to take their time. 3 months, a year, as long as O’Reilly kept playing well, which he clearly did, he would be very valuable. Then when you see them actually improve the team with cheap assets, that were predictably available, you realize that they knew they would improve the overall team, particularly with Dahlin filling the most needed spot, and filling it well.
Did the Pegulas feel slapped by a guy they stood by after a dwi, talking poorly about the team? Absolutely. Have they not regularly discussed their beliefs. This was the final straw.
I don’t disagree with any of that generally or other theories.
But the idea that O’Reilly’s attitude was a big negative influence, and the team played poorly because he wasn’t a blind cheerleader, of which no one was on the team, is total junk spin.
They have looked as a team, ok, with only Berglund making a moderately positive influence so far.
Sobotka was fine in the opener for his role, but has been completely replaced while out.
I guarantee the team’s attitude and success level would be the same or better with O’Reilly on it right now.
As I said trade over, but we don’t need to lie to ourselves.