Morgan Rielly's Future in Toronto Uncertain as Trade Deadline Looms
As the March 6 trade deadline inches closer, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads - and Morgan Rielly is right at the heart of it. The veteran defenseman, a fixture in Toronto for over a decade, is now the subject of serious trade chatter, with the San Jose Sharks reportedly showing interest.
Rielly has been a pillar of the Maple Leafs' blue line for 13 seasons, wearing the 'A', logging big minutes, and serving as a steadying presence in a locker room that’s seen its share of turnover. But with Toronto flirting with the playoff bubble and general manager Brad Treliving under pressure to shake things up, even long-standing loyalties may be tested.
According to recent reports, the Sharks are eyeing Rielly as a potential centerpiece in their ongoing rebuild. San Jose has the cap flexibility and the need for veteran leadership - two things that make them a logical trade partner if Toronto decides to go down that road.
With only two defensemen signed beyond this season and the salary cap set to rise significantly, San Jose will need to spend just to reach the floor. A player like Rielly, with his resume and experience, could help stabilize a young roster and guide the next wave of Sharks talent.
But let’s not pretend this would be a simple move for the Leafs.
Rielly isn’t just any player. He’s the longest-tenured Maple Leaf and a core leader in the dressing room.
He’s signed through 2030 with a $7.5 million cap hit and holds a full no-movement clause until 2028. That means any potential deal would require his approval - and so far, there’s been no indication he’s ready to waive it.
Then there’s the injury factor. Rielly suffered an upper-body injury just before the Olympic break, and while it’s not believed to be long-term, head coach Craig Berube noted it’s something the team is monitoring closely. The expectation is that he’ll be ready to return after the break, but the timing adds another layer of complexity to any trade discussions.
Toronto, meanwhile, is showing signs of life. The Leafs closed out the pre-Olympic stretch with three straight road wins, narrowing the gap in the standings and reminding fans - and perhaps the front office - of the team’s potential when things click.
Still, it may not be enough to convince Treliving to hold the line. If he believes this group can’t get over the hump, moving on from a high-profile piece like Rielly could be the kind of bold move that signals a new direction.
And if the Leafs are indeed open for business, Rielly’s availability could spark interest beyond San Jose. He’s a proven top-four defenseman, capable of anchoring a power play, logging heavy minutes, and contributing in all situations. That kind of player doesn’t hit the market often - especially not one with Rielly’s pedigree and leadership qualities.
The next few weeks will be telling. Toronto has decisions to make - not just about their playoff hopes, but about the identity of the team moving forward. And as much as it might sting to imagine Rielly in another jersey, this could be the moment where the Leafs decide to pivot.
Whether that means a blockbuster deal with San Jose or standing pat and riding with their core, one thing is clear: Morgan Rielly’s future in Toronto is no longer a given.