McDonagh says O'Reilly will help Predators 'do some damage' this season

EDINA, Minn. -- Ryan McDonagh said he's looking forward to seeing what the Nashville Predators can accomplish after signing center Ryan O'Reilly, and believes the Predators have what it takes to "do some damage" this season after their run of eight straight appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs ended last season.

The defenseman said he was happy Nashville decided not to overhaul the roster after finishing 42-32-8 last season, three points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Western Conference, choosing instead to shore up holes with key veteran additions, including O'Reilly, forward Gustav Nyquist and defenseman Luke Schenn.

"I think that gave management the approach that we can ask the veterans and keep this thing moving," the 34-year-old said Wednesday at Da Beauty League, a 4-on-4 summer league comprised of collegiate and NHL players with ties to Minnesota. "It doesn't need to be torn down all the way, so to speak. I feel really confident we can get back to playing at a high level and do some damage."

O'Reilly signed a four-year contract with the Predators on July 1 after he had 30 points (16 goals, 14 assists) in 53 regular-season games for the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues last season and nine points (three goals, six assists) in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games for Toronto. The 32-year-old won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the playoffs in 2019, when he helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup, and is expected to be Nashville's No. 1 center.

"His pedigree, his resume speaks for itself," McDonagh said of O'Reilly. "I've heard nothing but good things. I'm really looking forward to getting to know him and his family and more importantly just taking everything we've gained in our careers and put it forth on the ice and helping this group reach as far as we can."

Nashville also signed Nyquist and Schenn, each to a three-year contract; Nyquist, 33, is a four-time 20-goal scorer. Schenn, also 33, could play on a defense pair with Predators captain Roman Josi.

Despite the departure of several familiar faces, including forwards Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter, Mikael Granlund and Tanner Jeannot, and defenseman Mattias Ekholm in trades, plus the buyout of forward Matt Duchene, McDonagh said the new and established Nashville players, along with emerging forwards Tommy Novak and Cody Glass, will give the Predators a good chance for a bounce-back season.

"There are a lot of young guys really showcasing what they're made of and what they can bring to a team," said McDonagh, who had 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 71 games last season, his first with Nashville. "There's many guys all through the lineup playing different roles."

There were management changes as well. Barry Trotz became general manager July 1 following the retirement of David Poile, and Andrew Brunette was hired as coach May 31, replacing John Hynes.

"It's a huge challenge," McDonagh said. "And I think our group realizes that. It's not an easy night any night, no matter who you're playing against. And we want to be known as a tough team to play. We've got a good mixture of young guys that got a lot of experience last year, and there's more to gain there as far as what it takes to make a push and do some damage in the playoffs.

"That's where us veterans really have got to carry [the younger players] and be good leaders and show them the way. We've got to find that consistency right from the start, and I'm looking forward to getting the group together and start building it."