Morgan Rielly has been a staple of the Toronto Maple Leafs for over a decade, but his future with the team is now under serious scrutiny. Last summer, the Leafs explored the idea of moving Rielly, but when that didn't pan out, they urged him to elevate his game back to All-Star levels. Although he started the season strong, his performance has since mirrored the struggles of the previous year.
The consensus among hockey enthusiasts is that Toronto should consider parting ways with Rielly. However, his full trade protection presents a significant hurdle. On Sunday night, Nick Kypreos suggested a bold alternative: a buyout.
Kypreos remarked, “And Morgan Rielly, guys, come on. I mean, is this the year you have a talk with him and convince him to go somewhere else?
Do you buy him out? Is that an option?
They’re playing tonight against a team that bought out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter with four years left on their deals. You want to talk about bold moves?
They made one. Look at the shape they’re in today.”
At 32, Rielly is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $60 million extension he inked with Toronto in 2021, complete with a no-movement clause through 2027-28. This season has been challenging for him, as well as the team, with Rielly posting 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) and a -16 rating over 65 games.
The possibility of buying out Rielly marks a significant, albeit difficult, potential end to his impressive 13-year tenure with the Leafs. The financial implications are hefty, with Toronto on the hook for $3.5 million of Rielly’s $7.5 million cap hit through 2029-30, followed by $2 million annually for the next four years after his contract ends in 2033-34.
While this scenario might seem daunting, the rising salary cap and Toronto's future flexibility make it more feasible than it appears. Ideally, the Leafs would find a trade partner that Rielly is open to, such as a potential move to Vancouver for Elias Pettersson. However, if a trade doesn't materialize, a buyout could be a strategic move for Toronto as they look to reshape their roster in the offseason.