Morgan Rielly has made it clear for a long time that he wants to remain in Toronto, but that may not keep him out of the trade conversation for much longer.
The Maple Leafs are trying to get younger on the blue line, and that makes this situation tricky. Chris Tanev, Morgan Rielly, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are all getting older, and Toronto wants to do something about that. General manager John Chayka has reportedly been looking hard at defensemen such as Zach Werenski and Simon Edvinsson.
But chasing a big-name defenseman is never simple. When a team swings for help, it usually has to give something real in return, and that’s where Rielly comes in.
Insider Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet that if Toronto makes a trade for a defenseman, Rielly could be part of the package going the other way.
"If the Leafs do add a defenceman, [Morgan Rielly] could be the piece included to make the money work"
Rielly has been tied to trade rumors for two years, and he has not waived his no-trade clause. Still, if the Leafs land a deal partner, they may try to push him to reconsider.
His loyalty to the Maple Leafs has stood out, especially when compared with the Mitch Marner 's of the world. Even so, the league is unforgiving, and difficult calls can get forced on players quickly.
Chayka appears willing to keep making major moves, and he has shown he can pull off blockbuster trades.
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Maple Leafs Need An Unlikely Spark As Injuries Keep Mounting
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In Marchenkos absence, Nick Paul has been pushed into a bigger offensive role, but the points have not followed in any meaningful way over the past stretch. For a club trying to keep its attack afloat while key names are out, Toronto may need someone from deeper in the lineup to provide a surprise lift soon. [Read more 🡒]