"The smile on general manager Ray Shero's face following the first period in Toronto on Wednesday was ample evidence that the acquisition of center Cal O'Reilly isn't just another waiver claim.

Shero has liked O'Reilly for a long time.

"Cal is a real skilled player," Shero said. "Good vision. Good hockey sense."

Shero would know.

In 2005, during his final draft while working as the assistant general manager in Nashville, Shero and the Predators selected O'Reilly in the fifth round. Shero saw a player whose skill could translate nicely into the NHL."