Predators Provide Update on Ryan O'Reilly After Scary Injury Scare

Nashville expects O'Reilly to be OK after taking a stick near his eye in Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:33pm

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The Nashville Predators provided an encouraging update on forward Ryan O'Reilly after he exited Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets following a frightening incident where a stick came dangerously close to his left eye during a faceoff. O'Reilly was evaluated by the team's medical staff and is expected to be fine, though he did not return to the game.

Why it matters

O'Reilly is one of the Predators' most important players, providing stability and leadership to the lineup. His health is crucial as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, with several teams reportedly interested in acquiring the veteran center.

The details

The incident occurred midway through the third period when Charlie Coyle's stick rode up during a faceoff and struck O'Reilly near his left eye. O'Reilly, who is one of only four NHL players who still do not wear a visor, immediately left the ice and headed to the locker room. The Predators later announced that O'Reilly is expected to be OK and will be evaluated further by the team's medical staff in Nashville.

  • The incident occurred midway through the third period of Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
  • O'Reilly is flying back to Nashville with the team and will be evaluated by the Predators' medical staff on Thursday.

The players

Ryan O'Reilly

A veteran forward for the Nashville Predators who is one of only four NHL players who still do not wear a visor.

Charlie Coyle

The Columbus Blue Jackets player whose stick struck O'Reilly near the eye during a faceoff.

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What they’re saying

“For those who are concerned about Ryan O'Reilly, we expect that he is going to be OK. He is flying home with the team from Columbus tonight and will be evaluated by our medical team in Nashville. We expect to have an update on his playing status sometime Thursday.”

— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider (NHL)

What’s next

The Predators will provide an update on O'Reilly's playing status after he is evaluated by the team's medical staff on Thursday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks that NHL players face, especially those who choose not to wear visors. While O'Reilly is expected to be fine, it serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety and the league's ongoing efforts to protect its athletes.