SAM O'REILLY

2025-08-19

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

O'Reilly has improved the skating somewhat so that is now slightly above average. He has added some burst that he is able to use on the rush.

Passing/Handling:

O'Reilly is a skilled passer and handler. He is able to handle in tight including along the boards. However, despite his play making skills, he isn't the primary play driver.

Shooting:

Sam has an average wrist shot. He is most effective in close and specializes in tip-ins.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

O'Reilly stays composed. He sticks with it on board battles and stays in motion to be in good position. His anticipation is most evident on defense.

Forechecking:

O'Reilly is a contributor on the forecheck. He competes along the boards, including throwing opportune hits.

Defense:

Sam takes his defensive duties seriously and is often the first forward, staying close to his man. He is counted on to help on the penalty kill.

Best Asset:

O'Reilly's best asset is his 200 foot game.

Biggest Concern:

Despite his point total, signs point to a somewhat limited points upside.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

A middle sixer with 50-55 and no PP time although there's some possibility he could be net front on the PP.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

O'Reilly has a solid overall game leading to a solid but limited role based on the lack of higher end skill.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Bottom six with 35-45 points.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His compete and defensive acumen along with the playmaking ability means he can be valuable in the bottom six.

Stylistic Comparable:

Scott Laughton

Games Scouted:

London Knights v Owen Sound Attack 10/9/24, v Kitchener Rangers 2/4/25, v Oshawa Generals 5/8/25

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2024-07-19

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

O'Reilly is an average skater. His isn't great at the beginning or able to put on the extra speed to get past defenders. While he isn't the best technically, he makes up for it with effort making sure he gets where he needs to be most of the time.

Passing/Handling:

Sam is a very good passer and handler. He excels at making touch passes to teammates and finding at the right places to keep play going. He has good hands when transporting the puck and cycling in the zone.

Shooting:

O'Reilly has a pretty quick and accurate shot but the real key for him at this point are his hands. He shoots best in close and scored most of his goals from the crease.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

O'Reilly has a pretty high hockey IQ. He sees the game well, is able to anticipate. When under pressure, he maintains his composure and works relentlessly to still make a good pass to a teammate even when he gets tangled up.

Forechecking:

O'Reilly is a hard worker on the forecheck. As they say, he has the dog in him. He tries to get or maintain the puck and works with his teammates to maintain possession.

Defense:

Sam is a really good defensive forward. Multiple times, I saw him skate back hard to try to stall an odd man rush. In general, he skates back hard and supports the defensemen in the D zone.

Best Asset:

I would say his best asset is his compete. The intensity he brings to his game will lead him to keep trying to improve all the parts of his game.

Biggest Concern:

Skating is his biggest concern. Currently, it's the area that need the most work.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

If everything develops well, he can be a high end 3C or possibly get time as a 2C.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He has the two way game as a base to get him to the NHL and the will to refine his game which will endear him to coaches and possibly give him more time.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

It's possible he tops out as a 3C or 4C.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If he can't refine his skating along with continuing to improve his offense to some degree his compete likely gets him some role in the NHL.

Stylistic Comparable:

Calle Jarnkrok. In the end, he isn't likely to score alot but he will be a defensive asset.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

O'Reilly got time on the PP and the PK which showed the trust that coaches had in him to perform in multiple situations. This was on a London Knights team with a lot of talent.

Games Scouted:

9/9/2023 London Knights v Sarnia Sting, 12/17/2023 London Knights v Sudbury Wolves, 03/09/2024 London Knights v Kitchener Rangers, 05/03/2024 London Knights v Saginaw Spirit, all goals