Buffalo Sabres center Ryan O'Reilly - he of the brand spanking new seven-year, $52.5 million contract - was reportedly charged with driving while impaired in Ontario on Monday night. Ontario's AM980 has the details...
"OPP announced Monday that O'Reilly, 24, from Bluewater, Ont., had been charged with driving a motor vehicle while ability impaired (alcohol) and care or control over 80 mgs. He was also charged under the Highway Traffic Act with failing to remain at the scene.
"According to Middlesex County OPP, a green Chevrolet pickup truck struck a commercial building on Richmond St. last Thursday morning (July 9) just after 4:00am. An employee of the Lucan Tim Hortons confirmed to AM980 that there had been a motor vehicle incident, but was unaware of the driver's identity.
"After the collision, police say a suspect drove the vehicle southbound on Saintsbury Line, before abandoning it and travelling by foot with another, unnamed, male occupant."
The car's occupants were found by police on a nearby street. Per the report, it was determined by officers that the driver had been drinking alcohol. He was arrested, transported to a station for breath testing and then released.
Sabres GM Tim Murray addressed the situation on Twitter on Monday evening.
"We are aware of the reports regarding the incident involving Ryan O'Reilly last week. We are currently in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment until we have spoken with all parties involved."
While O'Reilly has deactivated his Twitter account, a screen grab from his Instagram profile shows a green, 1951 Chevrolet pick-up truck captioned, "Got my new truck."
In six years with the Colorado Avalanche, O'Reilly amassed 90 goals and 156 assists. He was traded to the Sabres in June.
O'Reilly is set to appear before a London, Ontario court on August 20.