Restricted free agent forward Ryan O’Reilly has been released from his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, according to an announcement posted on the team’s official website Thursday morning.
NHL free agency: Ryan O’Reilly released from KHL contract
Restricted free agent Ryan O’Reilly has been released from his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Is he closing in on a return to the NHL?
Rich Lam
With the aid of google translate, it is explained that O’Reilly and Metallurg mutually decided to part ways due to a foot injury he suffered in a game against Traktor Chelyabinsk. It is not specified when the injury occurred, as Metallurg played Traktor on Wednesday night, as well as on Jan. 4. However, previous reports had surfaced on overseas fan sites stating O’Reilly had an injury, so it likely occurred prior to Wednesday night.
In addition, the announcement listed O’Reilly’s ongoing negotiations with an NHL team as another reason his contract was terminated.
The 21-year-old forward and his representation have been attempting to find common ground with the Colorado Avalanche on a new deal. However, attempts to this point have proven futile.
It has been reported that O’Reilly has rejected a five-year, $17 million offer, as well one for two years and $7 million, and that his side is seeking an annual salary of $5 million. O’Reilly’s agent, Mark Guy, commented on Monday that the contract’s length is a major factor, rather than a set yearly salary.
However, he would not specify what kind of salary or term limit they were seeking.
Metallurg’s announcement explained that O’Reilly potentially could sign a new contract with the team in February. This will likely be determined by the progress made on a new contract with an NHL team.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post attempted to contact O’Reilly’s representation for comment but, due to the announcement coming in the early morning in North America, has not received a response yet.
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