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--Jay Levin, NashvillePredators.com

Today’s trade speaks to the development of the young forwards in the Preds system. At this point last season O’Reilly was the most-NHL ready young center in the system – and he took advantage of the opportunity to post 18 points in 38 games before suffering a season-ending injury on January 2 against Columbus. In O’Reilly’s absence, both Blake Geoffrion and Chris Mueller emerged as NHL-ready talents. Geoffrion flourished as a regular through the Preds playoff run last season and has carried that regular ice time at the start of this year; Mueller has performed at an AHL All-Star level in Milwaukee, while inspiring confidence from Coach Trotz and staff during his injury call-ups to the Preds. Craig Smith ’s development has also squeezed O’Reilly’s role. Smith’s path to the NHL skyrocketed with a great season at Wisconsin last year carrying into a strong showing at the World Championships and continuing into this season where he was the talk of Training Camp with the Preds. Smith has been one of the NHL’s best stories eight points through nine games --- just one point behind 2011 No. 1 overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the NHL rookie lead.With Mike Fisher back in the lineup, Martin Erat perhaps returning to the lineup tomorrow and the coaching staff gaining increased confidence in newcomers Niclas Bergfors and Brian McGrattan , it was increasingly more difficult to find opportunities for O’Reilly. Rather than risk losing him through waivers, the Preds were able to maximize a return and recoup a solid draft pick, while still knowing there’s enough organizational depth at the position to cover current and future needs.