Maybe there is still time to patch up the relationship between O’Reilly and his current employers. And to be sure, Colorado still has enough elite talent in its system to survive the loss of O’Reilly if it happens. However, in a league where the reputation of how a team treats players does matter, the Avalanche are doing themselves more harm than good by picking a fight with a youngster who’s delivered on everything that’s been asked of him.

There are positives to drawing lines in the sand as Colorado is doing with O’Reilly. But that line might also represent the limits of how far the Avalanche can progress by repeatedly testing the loyalty of their best young players.

-Adam Proteau of The Hockey News where you can read more on this topic...